Mobile Slaughter Guide Available

As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) "Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food" initiative, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the availability of the compliance guide for mobile slaughter units. This document, which presents recommendations and is not a regulatory requirement, is available at www.fsis.usda.gov/Significant_Guidance/index.asp.

A mobile slaughter unit is a self-contained slaughter facility that can travel from site to site. Mobile slaughter units can help producers meet consumer demand for locally grown and specialty products and can serve multiple small producers in areas where slaughter services might be unaffordable or otherwise unavailable. Therefore, mobile slaughter units can help small producers expand their businesses and create wealth in rural communities. Currently, there are five FSIS-inspected red meat mobile slaughter units in the United States.

The Mobile Slaughter Use Compliance Guide is intended for owners and managers of a new or existing red meat or poultry mobile slaughter unit who want their establishment to come under federal inspection and continue operations in accordance with FSIS regulations. Mobile slaughter unit operators are subject to the same regulatory requirements that apply to a fixed facility. The guide also includes the procedures necessary to receive a federal grant of inspection, unique concerns that may arise with mobile slaughter units and links to regulatory requirements and resources.

Comments will be accepted through July 26 and should be submitted to www.regulations.gov. All items submitted must include the agency name and docket number FSIS-2010-0004. Details are available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-12510.htm.