February 05, 2013

Agriculture Officials Suspend Exempt Status of Pike County Meat Processor

The Missouri Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Inspection Program has halted custom exempt processing operations at Hilty's Custom Meats.

During a routine inspection today, February 5, members of the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Inspection Program suspended custom exempt operations for the facility in Bowling Green due to violations related to selling uninspected meat products to the public. An investigation into the situation is ongoing and the custom exempt operations are to remain suspended until the investigation is completed and violations are addressed.

Facilities operating under a custom processing exemption, such as Hilty's Custom Meats, are not allowed to sell those custom products to the public. Custom exempt processing is completed for livestock owners and hunters for their own consumption and packaging for all custom exempt products is specially marked.

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. Individuals who have recently conducted business with Hilty's Custom Meats should carefully examine all items processed by the facility before consuming.

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