LOCAL Foods Act of 2025

This bill would expand a current exemption in federal meat rules. Today, only people who raise their own animals can have them slaughtered and processed without federal inspection for their own use. The bill would also cover people who own all or part of an animal, even if they did not raise it. The meat could be slaughtered, processed, and transported for the owners’ personal use and for their household, nonpaying guests, or employees. If an owner asks someone else to help (like a butcher), the owner must keep control of the product and clearly track which meat is theirs, as set by the Secretary of Agriculture.

Key points:

• Who is affected: People who own livestock, including co-owners or members of herd-share style groups; and the helpers they designate.
• What changes: Extends the no-inspection option from only “animals you raised” to “animals you own in whole or in part.” Owners may use an agent to help, but must keep custody and specific identification of their meat. Meat remains for personal use only (not for sale).
• When: Would apply if enacted into law.