Farmers selling whole or minimally processed poultry (no other ingredients added) from their own flock are not required to be licensed. However, certain local governments may require licensing to sell products at a farmers' market so it is important to check with your market manager about local regulations, as well. For information on processing options, see the answer to the question below.
Farmers selling whole or minimally processed poultry (no other ingredients added) from their own flock are not required to be licensed. However, certain local governments may require licensing to sell products at a farmers' market so it is important to check with your market manager about local regulations, as well. For information on processing options, see the answer to the question below.
To sell these chickens, your local butcher would need to be a USDA inspected or Minnesota “Equal To” inspected processing plant. These plants must meet more stringent food safety standards than those for custom exempt plants. During a USDA or Minnesota Equal To inspection, each chicken is inspected for food safety and wholesomeness to ensure the chickens have been processed to the highest level of food safety. For a list of USDA plants, contact the USDA Des Moines District Office at 1-800-990-9834. Minnesota Equal To plants are listed online at Minnesota State "Equal To" Plants. A farmer can also process their own poultry for sales to end consumers at a farmers' market. Learn more about Selling Farm-Slaughtered Poultry and Rabbits.
To sell these chickens, your local butcher would need to be a USDA inspected or Minnesota “Equal To” inspected processing plant. These plants must meet more stringent food safety standards than those for custom exempt plants. During a USDA or Minnesota Equal To inspection, each chicken is inspected for food safety and wholesomeness to ensure the chickens have been processed to the highest level of food safety. For a list of USDA plants, contact the USDA Des Moines District Office at 1-800-990-9834. Minnesota Equal To plants are listed online at Minnesota State "Equal To" Plants. A farmer can also process their own poultry for sales to end consumers at a farmers' market. Learn more about Selling Farm-Slaughtered Poultry and Rabbits.
There are no regulatory requirements for an individual to process their own birds for their own personal use.
There are no regulatory requirements for an individual to process their own birds for their own personal use.
