July 19, 2012

Following Inspection, Agriculture Officials Suspend Exempt Status of Russellville Locker

The Missouri Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Inspection Program has temporarily halted custom exempt processing operations at Russellville Locker.

During an inspection today, members of the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Inspection Program identified unsanitary conditions, pest control issues and deficiencies in marketing and labeling. 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 Russellville Locker, 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.

Individuals who have recently conducted business with Russellville Locker 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 and for additional information on sanitation.

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