To supply federal assistance to north carolina 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…

The Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service awarded a Cooperative Agreement totaling $6.508 million to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services on October 1, 2025, to operate a meat and poultry inspection program that ensures consumers have access to safe, wholesome, and properly labeled meat and poultry products. The award funds state-level inspection activities in North Carolina under the Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection program (CFDA 10.477), which enforces federal food safety standards, labeling requirements, and humane slaughter protocols across plants and processors handling products in interstate and international commerce. The Cooperative Agreement runs through September 30, 2026, with all work performed in North Carolina. The program's mandatory federal oversight requires that state inspection operations maintain standards at least equal to federal requirements, validated through USDA FSIS audits conducted every three years. The recipient must maintain certification of sanitation and operating standards for meat, poultry, and egg product plant facilities and equipment, with complete accounting records made available to federal oversight authorities.

To supply federal assistance to north carolina 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.