This bill, HB 396, amends existing laws to permit farms and producers to process a limited number of beef cows, swine, sheep, and goats at non-USDA certified facilities for human consumption and direct sale within the state. It modifies RSA 143-A:5, IX to include these animals alongside bison, elk, and red deer, while also updating definitions and labeling requirements in RSA 143-A:18 and RSA 143-A:19. The bill mandates that all uninspected meat products must be clearly labeled with the farm's information and the date of slaughter. Additionally, licensed restaurants and retailers are allowed to purchase uninspected meat from these animals, provided they maintain purchase records for at least 90 days and label menu items accordingly. The amendments to RSA 427:2-a, IV clarify that the slaughter of these animals on a farm for sale is exempt from inspection requirements, as long as the slaughter area is kept sanitary.

Moreover, the bill introduces new humane slaughter requirements, including the necessity for humane methods as defined in RSA 427:33, III, and mandates annual ante-mortem examinations by a veterinarian. It requires carcasses to be refrigerated within 12 hours of slaughter and outlines necessary documentation for processing facilities. Additionally, ground meat from every second animal processed must be tested for pathogens like E. coli and salmonella, with results retained for at least one year. The bill establishes a registration requirement for farms that slaughter and butcher their own livestock for intrastate commerce, acknowledging potential violations of federal law if not processed at a USDA facility. It limits the number of animals processed per month to three beef cows, five swine, and ten sheep or goats, or a combination thereof, thereby enhancing food safety and compliance with state and federal regulations.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the House: 143-A:5, 143-A:18, 143-A:19, 143-A:20, 143-A:20-a, 427:2-a