June 18, 2013

Agriculture Officials Suspend Exempt Status of Bollinger County Meat Processor

The Missouri Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Inspection Program has temporarily halted custom exempt processing operations at Ed's Certified Meats of Marble Hill.

During an inspection today, June 18, members of the Missouri Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Inspection Program identified unsanitary conditions within the facility. As a result the custom exempt processing permissions for the facility were suspended. The business' permissions are to remain suspended until the completion of a satisfactory inspection, which will be scheduled at the business owner's request.

Facilities operating under a custom processing exemption, such as Ed's Certified Meats, are not allowed to sell meat to the public. Custom exempt processing is completed for livestock owners for their own consumption. All custom exempt packaging is specially marked.

Individuals who have recently conducted business with Ed's Certified Meats should carefully examine all items processed by the facility before consuming.

The Missouri Department of Agriculture and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services encourage customers to contact their local health officials with any food safety-related questions and for additional information on sanitation.

For more information regarding the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit mda.mo.gov.