Sec. 433.0245. REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN LOW-VOLUME LIVESTOCK PROCESSING ESTABLISHMENTS. (a) Except as provided by this section, the inspection and regulatory provisions of this chapter do not apply to a low-volume livestock processing establishment that is exempt from federal inspection.

(a-1) For purposes of this section, a low-volume livestock processing establishment:

(1) includes an establishment that processes fewer than 10,000 domestic rabbits or more than 1,000 but fewer than 10,000 poultry in a calendar year; and

(2) does not include an establishment that processes 1,000 or fewer poultry raised by the operator of the establishment in a calendar year.

(b) Except as provided by Subsections (e) and (f), a low-volume livestock processing establishment that is exempt from federal inspection shall register with the department in accordance with rules adopted by the executive commissioner for registration.

(c) Except as provided by Subsections (e) and (f), a low-volume livestock processing establishment that is exempt from federal inspection shall develop a sanitary operation procedures plan.

(d) Except as provided by Subsection (f), if contaminated livestock can be reasonably traced to a low-volume livestock processing establishment that is exempt from federal inspection, the department may request the attorney general or the district or county attorney in the jurisdiction where the facility is located to institute a civil suit to enjoin the operation of the establishment until the department determines that the establishment has been sanitized and is operating safely.

(e) A low-volume livestock processing establishment that is exempt from federal inspection and processes fewer than 500 domestic rabbits in a calendar year is not required to comply with Subsection (b) or (c).

(f) An establishment described by Subsection (a-1)(2):

(1) is not subject to additional state regulation; and

(2) may sell poultry products directly to consumers.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 730, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Amended by:

Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.1034, eff. April 2, 2015.

Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1032 (H.B. 410), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.