REGULATORY SERVICES

Obtaining Inspection In order to operate a meat/poultry business that exports, ships in interstate commerce, or wholesales within the Commonwealth of Virginia, the company must obtain a Grant of Inspection and be under inspection by either VDACS or USDA. A Grant is obtained by meeting requirements for building specifications, the processes being used, and product labels. The Grant is free, and the OMPS will assist you in fulfilling the requirements as well as completing the necessary paperwork. An application for official inspection, permit of custom exemption or permit of poultry exemption may be obtained from any of our offices. VDACS is committed to provide and maintain open lines of communication. The Department assists Virginia meat/poultry businesses with their start-up. Information regarding the requirements for a Federal Grant of Inspection can be found here.

Enforcement The Enforcement program utilizes surveillance, investigations, enforcement, and other activities to ensure the safety and security of meat and poultry supply and that OMPS programs, policies, and management controls are carried out efficiently, effectively and as intended. Our mission is to ensure that meat and poultry distributed in commerce for use as human food are safe, wholesome, correctly labeled and packaged, and secure from threats or intentional acts. Enforcement extends regulatory functions to operations such as wholesalers, warehouses, retailers, restaurants, shippers, distributors, and other businesses handling meat and poultry products for human or animal food. All Virginia firms conducting business as meat and poultry handlers and all inedible meat and poultry handlers/haulers in the Commonwealth are required to be registered by OMPS, Enforcement Program. The primary public mission of preventing adulterated, un-inspected and misbranded meat and poultry products from reaching consumers is derived from the authority of the virginia Meat and Poultry Inspection Act, Federal Meat Inspection Act and Poultry Products Inspection Act. When product is in violation, it is removed from human food channels, the violations are documented, and appropriate administrative, civil, or criminal sanctions are imposed. Enforcement Officers further provide quality customer service by offering guidance and assistance to federal, state, and local government officials, industry representatives, private organizations, and individuals in obtaining and maintaining compliance with meat and poultry laws and regulations. Consumer complaints may be filed at any of our OMPS offices, or through the Consumer Protection Hotline (VA toll free 800.552.9963). Applications for registration as Meat and Poultry Product Handlers and Inedible Meat and Poultry Handlers/Haulers may be downloaded from this site.

Marks of Inspection (Legend) The shape of these stamps or seals reveal the source of inspection - federal, state, or voluntary. The number inside the mark identifies the particular plant that is responsible for the product. No two plants in the United States will have the same numbers inside identically shaped marks, making each plant's mark of inspection unique. Your number will be issued by either the OMPS or the FSIS, depending upon the status of your plant. The following are examples inspection legends: FEDERAL or TALMADGE/AIKEN, VA STATE, VA VOLUNTARY

LABELS are required on all meat/poultry products offered for sale and must have information as shown in the examples. In addition, a separate safe handling statement is required on all raw and partially cooked products.

Consumer Handling Tips Food safety information of a general nature may be obtained through the USDA food safety link. You may also obtain a copy of the VDACS booklet "Keeping Your Food Safe" through the Office of Food Safety (804.786.3520) or the Office of Meat and Poultry Services (804.786.4569).