How do custom-exempt plants differ from inspected facilities?
State inspectors are responsible for the inspection of the facility and procedure at custom-exempt plants; however, the owner of the carcass assumes the responsibility for the safety of the meat. Each animal processed under a custom exemption is not individually inspected. Custom-exempt plants slaughter only privately owned animals that will be served in this owner’s household and to their non-paying guests. Meat and poultry products derived from custom-exempt plants may not be sold. State-inspected plants are different than custom-exempt plants for two reasons. First, inspectors are responsible for the safety and cleanliness of the facility, procedure and product. Second, meat and poultry may be sold within the state of Indiana from these establishments. Inspectors perform an ante-mortem (before slaughter) and post-mortem (after slaughter) inspection of all animals to ensure the safety of the product.
