This bill amends existing laws to permit farms and producers to process a limited number of cattle, swine, sheep, and goats at non-USDA certified facilities for direct sale to consumers. It modifies RSA 143-A:5, IX to include these animals alongside bison, elk, and red deer, and updates definitions and labeling requirements in RSA 143-A:18 and RSA 143-A:19 to ensure that all uninspected meat products are 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, with requirements to maintain purchase records for 90 days and label menu items accordingly. The bill also amends RSA 143-A:20 and RSA 143-A:20-a to include the new animal categories and revises RSA 427:2-a, IV to exempt the slaughter of these animals from inspection requirements under certain sanitary conditions.

Moreover, the bill introduces provisions for humane slaughter methods as defined in RSA 427:33, allowing slaughter to be conducted by the owner or their employees. It mandates that carcasses be stored at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 12 hours of slaughter and requires annual ante-mortem examinations by a licensed veterinarian for non-amenable herds, with documentation retained. The bill limits the number of animals processed monthly to three cattle, five swine, and ten sheep or goats, or a combination thereof, and includes testing requirements for ground meat for E. coli and salmonella, with test results retained for at least one year. The Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food will adopt rules for an annual training program for farmers on safety, food quality, and product labeling. The act will take effect upon its passage.

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
As Amended by the Senate: 143-A:5, 143-A:18, 143-A:19, 143-A:20, 143-A:20-a, 427:2-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 143-A:5, 143-A:18, 143-A:19, 143-A:20, 143-A:20-a, 427:2-a