Montana Department of Livestock
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
- State Food Recall Process
- Appeals Guideline
- Civil Rights Information
- LMC
- FY2023 Annual Report
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Guide to Applying for State Inspection
- Industry Resources
Contact Information
Department of Livestock
Meat and Poultry Inspection Section
PO Box 202001
Helena, Montana 59620-2001
Email: MMEIOffice@mt.gov
Meat & Poultry Inspection
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Only livestock slaughtered and processed under USDA or state inspection may be sold to consumers or donated. You would also need a retail license from your county’s health department.
No. Only meat or poultry products made at a facility licensed by either the local health department or produced under USDA or state inspection can be sold for consumption.
No. To process livestock (pigs, bison, cattle, etc.) for your friend you must be licensed as either a custom exempt or inspected facility. This will include sanitation and record keeping requirements. Please contact us for more details.
Yes. If your tallow products are meant for human consumption and are going to be sold wholesale to another store for resale. USDA or state inspection is required. Retail and cometic sales of tallow are licensed through your county’s health department.
No. Custom exempt product is to be labeled “Not For Sale” and cannot be sold or even donated. It is processed solely for the owner’s own consumption and their nonpaying house guests.
If you only want to sell to this bar (or a couple of other restaurants too) you will need a meat depot storage license from our department or a retail license for your county’s health department. The meat will also need to be processed at a State or USDA inspected facility and have the associated mark of inspection. Please contact us for more information or to apply for a meat depot storage license.
No. This repackaging would require either state or USDA inspection.
There are many variables that may affect the requirements of your facility depending on your production and/or slaughter goals. Basic guidance can be found at the following links:
Niche Meat Processors Assistance Network
Facility Guide for Meat Processing Plants
Sanitation Performance Standards Compliance Guide | Food Safety and Inspection Service
General Federal regulations to get you started can be found on the USDA FSIS website. General state regulations to get you started can be found in Montana Code Annotated 81-9 and Administrative Rules of Montana 32.6.