To supply federal assistance to maine to operate a meat and poultry inspection program in order to assure the consumer an adequate supply of safe, wholesome, and properly labeled meat and poultry…

The Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service awarded a Cooperative Agreement to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry on October 1, 2025, totaling $1,135,000 to operate a state meat and poultry inspection program ensuring consumer access to safe, wholesome, and properly labeled meat and poultry products under the Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection program (CFDA 10.477).

The award funds the recipient's inspection and regulatory oversight of meat and poultry plants, processors, and facilities within Maine to enforce federal food safety standards, sanitation requirements, and labeling compliance. Performance runs through September 30, 2026, with all work conducted in Maine.

Under the program, the state agency maintains an "at least equal to" inspection program operating in parallel with federal oversight. The Food Safety and Inspection Service will conduct an audit every three years to validate that the state's determinations meet or exceed federal standards. The cooperative agreement offers annual renewal contingent on the recipient maintaining required sanitation and operating standards for inspection facilities and equipment. All accounting records remain available to the Comptroller General and authorized representatives of the Department of Agriculture.

To supply federal assistance to maine to operate a meat and poultry inspection program in order to assure the consumer an adequate supply of safe, wholesome, and properly labeled meat and poultry products.