October 24, 2014

Agriculture Officials Suspend Exempt Status of Custom Meat Processor in Smithton

Update: Custom Exempt Processing Status Returned to PBR Custom Meat Processing in Smithton, Mo.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Inspection Program has halted custom exempt processing operations at PBR Custom Meat Processing in Smithton.

During a routine inspection today, October 24, members of the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Inspection Program identified sanitation issues involving meat processing equipment at PBR Custom Meat Processing. As a result, the custom exempt processing permits for the facility in Smithton were suspended. The business’ permits are to remain suspended until the completion of a satisfactory inspection, which will be scheduled at the business owner’s request.

Facilities operating under a custom processing exemption, such as PBR Custom Meat Processing, are not allowed to sell those custom products to the public. Custom exempt processing is completed for livestock owners for their own consumption and packaging for all custom exempt products is specially marked “not for sale.”

Individuals who have recently conducted custom processing business with PBR Custom Meat Processing should carefully examine all items processed by the facility before consuming.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services encourage customers to contact their local health officials with any food safety-related questions.

For more information regarding the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit agriculture.mo.gov.


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