Bill 118 hr 1646, also known as the New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act of 2023, aims to expand market access for meat and poultry products that have been inspected by state agencies. Currently, meat and poultry products that are inspected by state agencies are only allowed to be sold within the state where they were inspected. This bill seeks to change that by allowing these products to be sold across state lines.
The bill recognizes that state-inspected meat and poultry products are held to the same high standards as federally inspected products and should therefore be able to compete in the national marketplace. By allowing these products to be sold across state lines, the bill aims to create new opportunities for small and medium-sized meat and poultry producers, as well as increase consumer choice and access to locally produced products.
In addition to expanding market access for state-inspected products, the bill also includes provisions to ensure that these products meet federal labeling requirements and food safety standards. This will help to protect consumers and ensure that state-inspected products are held to the same high standards as federally inspected products.
Overall, the New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act of 2023 seeks to promote economic growth in the meat and poultry industry, support small and medium-sized producers, and increase consumer choice and access to locally produced products.