Senate Bill Would Allow Sales of Local Meat Across State Lines

U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Angus King (I-Maine) have introduced a bill that “would allow meat and poultry products inspected by state Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs to be sold across state lines,” according to a press release. The senators assert that although the inspection programs of 27 states meet or exceed federal inspection standards and the meat is processed through facilities approved by the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the products are not allowed to be sold across state lines. “Our bipartisan, commonsense bill will create new markets for producers and give consumers more choices at the grocery store, while continuing to maintain the high quality and safety standards necessary to keep consumers healthy,” Rounds was quoted as saying.