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
Question: | What is the Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) Program? |
Answer: |
The CIS program allows selected “state inspected” establishments to ship their selected products across state lines. This program is voluntary. |
Question: | Who can apply for CIS? |
Answer: |
Any licensed establishment who has had a state Grant of Inspection for at least 90 days and has no more than 25 employees. The establishment needs a satisfactory Food Safety Assessment on record with no outstanding issues and the ability to take measures to completely separate CIS inspected products from all other activities with the establishment. Application form: Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program Application |
Question: | Who may not apply for CIS? |
Answer: |
Any establishment under USDA Grant of inspection. Any state inspected facility with over 25 employees. |
Question: | I currently have a custom processing plant. Can I join CIS? |
Answer: |
Yes, however, you will need to maintain a state grant of inspection for 90 days before applying to enter the CIS program. |
Question: | I am an eligible plant owner, what should I do first? |
Answer: |
Refer to FSIS Directive 5740.1 which describes the CIS process. |
Question: | What regulations should I review before requesting the on-site visit? |
Answer: |
FSIS Directive 5740.1: Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program 9 CFR Part 313: Humane Handling of Livestock 9 CFR part 416: Sanitation 9 CFR Part 417: Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points 9 CFR Part 500: Rules of Practice *For plants with poultry* 9 CFR Part 381: Poultry Products Inspection Regulations |
Question: | What will the process involve? |
Answer: |
The basics will include:
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Question: | Once I am in the CIS program, where can I ship my products? |
Answer: |
Anywhere within the United States. |
Question: | Who will be my inspector if I enter this program? |
Answer: |
A state of Montana Department of Livestock inspector will still be the regular inspector. A federal inspector will conduct less frequent, unscheduled inspections as well. |
Question: | Who can I contact if I have additional questions? |
Answer: |
Interested facilities should contact the Department of Livestock at 406-444-5202 or livemail@mt.gov. |
Additional information regarding the CIS Program can be found at:
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/apply-grant-inspection/state-inspection-programs/cooperative-interstate-shipping-program