What is the Federal Meat Inspection Act and how does it apply to agriculture?

The Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) is a federal law passed in 1906 that requires all livestock used for food production to be inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) before it can be sold in interstate commerce. This law applies to all livestock, including beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and deer. In Washington, this law applies to any business that produces and sells meat products within the state. These meat producers must obtain a license from the USDA, which includes meeting certain sanitary standards and passing inspections. Under the law, all meat must be inspected for wholesomeness, soundness, and general condition before being allowed to be sold or shipped out of state. The FMIA also requires these meat producers to post signs identifying the products as inspected by the USDA, and that these products are safe for human consumption. In addition, all meat must be labeled with information about the origin, ingredients, and potential allergens. Finally, all meat must be inspected for disease and any signs of distress. The FMIA is an important law that promotes the safety of food production in Washington. By ensuring that all food products are inspected and labeled correctly, consumers are able to make informed decisions when purchasing and consuming food. This law also has the potential to reduce the spread of foodborne illnesses like E. coli and Salmonella.

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