Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SSB3031

Introduced
1/10/24  
Introduced
1/10/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to meat and poultry inspection, by providing an exception for certain establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry and the preparation of poultry products on a custom basis.(See SF 2207.)

Impact

The proposed amendment to the Meat and Poultry Inspection Act could have significant implications for state food safety regulations. By allowing exemptions from routine inspection requirements for specially designated establishments, the bill may enhance the operational capabilities for small-scale, local poultry producers. However, it also raises questions about the consistency of state inspection standards with federal regulations, as the USDA typically mandates strict compliance. The clear distinction and sanitation requirements are meant to safeguard public health while attempting to simplify operations for smaller producers.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 3031 aims to modify Iowa's Meat and Poultry Inspection Act by introducing an exception for certain establishments engaged in custom operations for poultry. The bill allows state-licensed poultry establishments to perform custom slaughtering and preparation of poultry products under specified conditions, provided that the custom products are distinctly marked as 'Not for Sale' and are maintained separately from items intended for sale. This change seeks to enable more flexibility for local poultry processing, particularly for personal use among consumers and nonpaying guests.

Contention

Several areas of contention arise from SSB3031, particularly regarding food safety. Critics might argue that lax inspection standards for custom slaughtering could pose risks to consumers if establishments are not held to stringent sanitary practices. The skepticism focuses on whether the separation of custom and commercially prepared products can effectively safeguard against cross-contamination. Proponents, on the other hand, assert that the bill promotes local agricultural economies and personal consumer choice, allowing individuals greater autonomy in sourcing and preparing their food.

Companion Bills

IA HSB559

Related A bill for an act relating to meat and poultry inspection, by providing an exception for certain establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry and the preparation of poultry products on a custom basis.(See HF 2257.)

IA HF2257

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to meat and poultry inspection, by providing an exception for certain establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry and the preparation of poultry products on a custom basis, and including implementation provisions. (Formerly HSB 559.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SF2207

Replaced by A bill for an act relating to meat and poultry inspection, by providing an exception for certain establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry and the preparation of poultry products on a custom basis.(Formerly SSB 3031.)

Previously Filed As

IA HSB559

A bill for an act relating to meat and poultry inspection, by providing an exception for certain establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry and the preparation of poultry products on a custom basis.(See HF 2257.)

IA SF2207

A bill for an act relating to meat and poultry inspection, by providing an exception for certain establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry and the preparation of poultry products on a custom basis.(Formerly SSB 3031.)

IA HF2257

A bill for an act relating to meat and poultry inspection, by providing an exception for certain establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry and the preparation of poultry products on a custom basis, and including implementation provisions. (Formerly HSB 559.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SB815

Meat processing establishment, custom livestock slaughterhouse, and poultry plants: licensing and inspectors.

IA HB5462

To amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act to require that the slaughter date, package date, freeze date, and country of origin be labeled on meat and poultry products.

IA H0603

An act relating to the poultry slaughter exception to inspection

IA SB114

Provides relative to meat and poultry inspection.

IA SB178

Provides relative to meat and poultry inspection. (gov sig)

IA AB251

Revises provisions relating to the inspection of meat and poultry. (BDR 51-154)

IA AB2909

Poultry producers: small-scale producers and California Retail Food Code.

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