LOCAL Foods Act of 2025

The LOCAL Foods Act of 2025 proposes to amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act, specifically Section 23(a), to significantly expand exemptions for the slaughter and processing of livestock for personal consumption. This legislation aims to support local food systems by broadening who can process their own animals without federal inspection, moving beyond the current restriction to animals of one's own raising. Under the bill, any person who owns animals, in whole or in part , would be permitted to slaughter, prepare, and transport meat products for their own use, or the use of their household, nonpaying guests, or employees, explicitly allowing for shared ownership. Additionally, the Act allows owners to designate an agent to assist in these activities, provided the owner maintains custody and specific identification of the meat products as determined by the Secretary.