WASHINGTON — US senators reintroduced the New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act, which would allow processors to sell state-inspected meat and poultry across state lines.

State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) standards must meet federal safety standards or exceed them. Through the bill, products approved by MPI programs would be permitted to be sold across state lines.

“Despite the requirement of state inspection programs to meet or exceed federal inspection standards, our local producers aren’t able to sell their products across state lines,” said Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), a sponsor of the bill.

Currently, 29 states house inspection programs that are certified by the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS). These establishments, however, do not receive the federal inspection stamp rather a state inspection stamp. Only products with a federal inspection stamp are allowed to be sold across state lines.

“The meat processing sector is one of the most consolidated industries in the United States today,” said Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), one of the sponsors of the bill. “By permitting the sale of state-inspected meats across state lines, our legislation would expand market opportunities for … ranchers, better position smaller processors to compete against larger competition, and give consumers more choice at the grocery store.”

Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund United Stockgrowers of America (R-CALF USA) voiced its support of the law.

“This long-needed bill recognizes that states are equally competent and qualified to ensure the safety and wholesomeness of meat produced from locally raised livestock,” said Bill Bullard chief executive officer of R-CALF USA. “It helps alleviate the supply chain bottleneck, is good for livestock producers and consumers, and will provide out-of-state customers with more choices.”