To supply federal assistance to illinois 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 Illinois Department of Agriculture for $8.848 million on October 1, 2025, to operate a state meat and poultry inspection program assuring consumers an adequate supply of safe, wholesome, and properly labeled meat and poultry products. This award is funded under the Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection program (CFDA 10.477).

The Illinois Department of Agriculture, a child agency of the State of Illinois, delivers meat and poultry inspection services across Illinois through September 30, 2026. The Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection program ensures that all meat, poultry, and egg products produced in plants and shipped in commerce are safe, wholesome, and accurately labeled, protecting public health through enforcement of strict standards for food safety, proper labeling, and humane slaughter under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, Poultry Products Inspection Act, Egg Products Inspection Act, and Humane Slaughter Act. Eligibility for cooperative agreement funding is limited to state agencies maintaining "at least equal to" programs under CFDA 10.475. The Food Safety and Inspection Service will conduct an audit every three years to validate that the state's program meets or exceeds federal standards.

To supply federal assistance to illinois 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.