September 26, 2011

Agriculture Officials Suspend Exempt Status of Custom Meat Processor in Webb City

The Missouri Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Inspection Program has temporarily halted custom exempt processing operations at Taylor's Processing in Webb City, Mo. due to unsanitary practices.

During an inspection conducted the morning of Sept. 26, 2011, two members of the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Inspection Program identified sanitation issues involving meat processing equipment at Taylor's Processing in Webb City. As a result the custom exempt processing permissions for the facility were suspended. The business' permissions 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 Taylor's Processing, are not allowed to sell meat to the public. Custom exempt processing is completed for livestock owners for their own consumption. All custom exempt packaging is specially marked.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture asks individuals who have recently conducted business with Taylor's Processing to carefully examine all items processed by the facility before consuming.

Customers are encouraged to contact their local health officials with any food safety-related questions and for additional information on sanitation.

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