Here to serve the people of Montana and its livestock industry.
Meat & Poultry Inspection Section
- Cooperative Interstate Shipping Program
- Federal Meat Inspection Act
- Federal Poultry Products Inspection Act
- MCA Code 81-9-201
- Administrative Rules of Montana
- SB199 - Guidance Document
- Licensed Custom Exempt Facilities
- State Inspected Establishments
- Federal USDA Inspected Establishment Directory
- USDA Food Safety Inspection Service Guidance Page
- USDA Food Safety Inspection Service HACCP Guidance
- USDA Food Safety Inspection Service Sanitation Performance Standards Guidance
- Niche Meat Processing Organization
- State Food Recall Process
- Appeals Guideline
- Civil Rights Information
- LMC
- FY2022 Annual Report
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Contact Information
Department of Livestock
Meat and Poultry Inspection Section
PO Box 202001
Helena, Montana 59620-2001
Email
Meat & Poultry Inspection Frequently Asked Questions
| Question: | I raise my own beef. Can I slaughter it and sell it to the public at my ranch? |
| Answer: |
No. Only livestock slaughtered and processed under USDA or state inspection may be sold to consumers or donated. A retail license from the county is required to sell direct to consumers. |
| Question: | People love my jerky. Can I sell it online? |
| Answer: |
No. Only meat or poultry products made under a local health authority (health department) or produced under inspection may be sold. The facility (kitchen) must be licensed. |
| Question: | I am processing wild game in my garage. Can I do a couple hogs for my friend? |
| Answer: | No. You must be licensed to process any livestock, meeting sanitation and record keeping requirements. |
| Question: | Where can I find guidance for the building of a meat processing facility? |
| Answer: |
The state nor USDA provides specs or plans for building a facility as there are many variables depending upon your production and/or slaughter goals. You can find some answers from: Niche Meat Processors Assistance Network This older document published in the 1997 Federal Register may also be helpful: Facility Guide for Meat Processing Plants |
| Question: | Where can I find the regulations for inspection services? |
| Answer: | www.fsis.usda.gov/policy |
| Question: | I had several lambs and a beef processed at a custom exempt plant. It is more than my family needs right now. Can I sell that product, or give to local food bank? |
| Answer: | No. Custom exempt product is to be labeled “Not For Sale”. It may not be sold or even donated. It is processed solely for the owner’s own consumption. |
| Question: | I have my beef slaughtered and processed at a state (or USDA) inspection plant. All packages have the mark of inspection. The bar down the road wants to buy it for serving burgers. What do I need to be able to sell it to them legally? |
| Answer: | If you are not going to sell direct to consumers you do not need a retail license. If you only want to sell to this bar or a couple restaurants you would need only a meat depot storage license to meet the requirements of ARMS rule 32.6.702. |
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| Question: | Can I buy ground beef, steaks, cured meats from Costco in bulk and re-package it and sell it? |
| Answer: |
Not without state or federal inspection. |
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| Question: | Do I need inspection services? |
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| Question: | Are my product sales exempt from inspection services? |
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