Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2023

Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2023

This bill establishes within the Department of Agriculture (USDA) the Office of the Special Investigator for Competition Matters.

Specifically, the office must use all available tools (e.g., subpoenas) to investigate and prosecute violations of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 by packers and live poultry dealers. Further, the bill grants the office the authority to bring any civil or administrative action authorized by that act against a packer or live poultry dealer.

Additionally, the office must

• serve as a liaison to the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission with respect to competition and trade practices in the food and agricultural sector,
• consult with the Department of Homeland Security on national security and critical infrastructure security in the food and agricultural sector,
• maintain a staff of attorneys and other professionals with appropriate expertise, and
• coordinate with the USDA Office of the General Counsel and the Packers and Stockyards Division of the Agricultural Marketing Service.

Bill 118 s 346, also known as the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to establish a special investigator within the Department of Agriculture to oversee and enforce regulations related to the meat and poultry industry.

The bill outlines the responsibilities of the special investigator, which include conducting investigations into potential violations of food safety regulations, ensuring compliance with labeling requirements, and monitoring the overall safety and quality of meat and poultry products. The special investigator is also tasked with coordinating with other federal agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration, to address any issues related to the meat and poultry industry.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for increased funding and resources for the Department of Agriculture to support the work of the special investigator. This includes funding for additional staff, training programs, and equipment necessary to carry out investigations and enforce regulations effectively. Overall, the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2023 aims to strengthen oversight and enforcement within the meat and poultry industry to ensure the safety and quality of products for consumers. It represents a bipartisan effort to address concerns related to food safety and regulation within this important sector of the economy.