((a)) ** In general** Subject to subsection (b), each packer required to report information to the Secretary under this subchapter shall maintain, and make available to the Secretary on request, for 2 years—

((1)) the original contracts, agreements, receipts and other records associated with any transaction relating to the purchase, sale, pricing, transportation, delivery, weighing, slaughter, or carcass characteristics of all livestock; and

((2)) such records or other information as is necessary or appropriate to verify the accuracy of the information required to be reported under this subchapter.

((b)) ** Limitations** Under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary may not require a packer to provide new or additional information if—

((1)) the information is not generally available or maintained by packers; or

((2)) the provision of the information would be unduly burdensome.

((c)) ** Purchases of cattle or swine** A record of a purchase of a lot of cattle or a lot of swine by a packer shall evidence whether the purchase occurred—

((1)) before 10:00 a.m. Central Time;

((2)) between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Central Time; or

((3)) after 2:00 p.m. Central Time.