To supply federal assistance to mississippi 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 $158,000 Cooperative Agreement to the Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce on October 1, 2025, to operate a state meat and poultry inspection program ensuring consumer access to safe, wholesome, and properly labeled meat and poultry products. The award is made under the Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection program (CFDA 10.475), which mandates federal oversight of meat, poultry, and egg products entering interstate and international commerce through enforcement of sanitation standards, facility inspections, and labeling compliance under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, Poultry Products Inspection Act, Egg Products Inspection Act, and Humane Slaughter Act. The recipient operates as a child entity within the State of Mississippi and delivers inspection services—including ante-mortem, post-mortem, and facility inspections—across Mississippi processing plants. The period of performance runs through September 30, 2026. The program requires eligible state agencies to maintain programs "at least equal to" federal standards, with FSIS conducting comprehensive audits every three years to validate compliance determinations. Cooperators meeting required standards are offered annual renewals subject to Secretarial approval.

To supply federal assistance to mississippi 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.