Number: RL32922
Title: Meat and Poultry Inspection: Background and Selected Issues
Authors: Geoffrey S. Becker, Specialist in Agricultural Policy 
Abstract: Several significant changes in meat and poultry inspection programs were included in the 2008 farm bill (P.L. 110-246), signed into law in June 2008. These include permitting some stateinspected meat and poultry products to enter interstate commerce, just like USDA-inspected products; bringing catfish under mandatory USDA inspection; requiring an inspected establishment to notify USDA if it believes that an adulterated or misbranded product has entered commerce; and requiring establishments to prepare and maintain written recall plans. USDA's implementation of these provisions in 2009 is likely to be an oversight item for the 111th Congress.
Pages: 23
Date: January 7, 2009