Kentucky · Direct-to-Consumer Compliance

Meats

Retail cuts need inspection; a new July 2026 law opens on-farm poultry sales

Licensed Facility Required

InspectedUSDA or state inspection for retail cuts

CustomCustom-exempt meat is for the owner only

7/15/2026On-farm poultry sales law took effect

FrozenPoultry at markets and stands must be frozen

What's Covered / Needs a Different Path

Beef, pork and lamb processed at an inspected plant and sold by the cut
Poultry processed on your farm under the federal exemption and sold to end consumers at the farm, farmers market or roadside stand

Whole-animal shares, retail cuts and the poultry exemption follow different rules.

Use an inspected plant, or qualify for the federal poultry exemption for your own birds.

Label per federal rules; on-farm sales refrigerated, market or stand sales frozen.

Item	Rule	Regulator
Retail meat cuts	Inspected plant required	USDA FSIS / state
Custom-exempt	Owner household use; not for sale	USDA FSIS
Farm poultry	End consumer only; frozen at market or stand	CHFS (KRS 217.188)
Home meat products	Not an allowed home-based product	CHFS

Are cabinet rules for the poultry law in effect?

The statute took effect July 15, 2026 and directs the cabinet to adopt regulations. Confirm they are published.

Can I sell whole chickens to restaurants?

Not under this law; it covers end consumers.

Can I sell half a hog directly?

Only through inspected processing or a compliant custom-exempt arrangement.