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
- 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
- FY2023 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 at a facility licensed by either the local health authority (health department) or produced under inspection can be sold. |
| 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: | I am interested in making tallow and wholesaling it to local stores. Do I need inspection? |
| Answer: | Yes, if your tallow products are meant for human consumption and are going to be sold wholesale USDA or state inspection is required. Retail and cometic sales of tallow are licensed through your county’s environmental health department. |
| 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 only want to sell to this bar or a couple of restaurants you will need a meat depot storage license from the Department of Livestock. A meat depot license is not required if you are already licensed for retail sales by your county. |
| Question: | Can I buy ground beef, steaks, cured meats from Costco in bulk and re-package it and sell it? |
| Answer: | No, this would require state or USDA inspection. |
| Question: | Do I need inspection services? |
| Answer: | |
| Question: | Are my product sales exempt from inspection services? |
| Answer: | See this flowchart guide. |
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