News Release
December 20, 2010
Agriculture Officials Revoke Exempt Status of Custom Meat Processor
The Missouri Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Inspection program has halted custom exempt processing operations at Holt Butcher Block in Holt, Mo. due to unsanitary practices.
Individuals doing business with Holt Butcher Block should carefully examine any items processed by the facility before consuming those products. Customers are encouraged to contact local health officials with any food safety-related questions.
Inspectors from the Missouri Department of Agriculture are also coordinating with officials from the Missouri Department of Conservation to gather information concerning the processing and distribution of venison products from the facility.
Custom exempt processing refers to work done for livestock owners in which the meat is returned only to the owner in specially marked packaging. Facilities operating under a custom processing exemption are not allowed to sell that meat to the public.
Holt Butcher Block has processed meat for livestock owners, hunters and other customers.
For more information regarding the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit mda.mo.gov.