For small scale processors, one of the biggest challenges is getting a federal grant of inspection. An establishment must develop a written sanitation standard operating procedure and conduct a hazard analysis.
This has to be complete before the facility can manufacture products and ship them to customers. There also is an ongoing process to verify an establishment is maintaining its standards.
According to FSIS’s Phill Bronstein, “If any establishment does not meet these standards as required by U.S. law, and FSIS regulations, then FSIS has mechanism in place to withdraw the federal grant of inspection.”
USDA regulates about 6,500 establishments throughout the country.
Meat producers look to small packers.
Ramp Up Act introduced to help meat processors meet federal standards.