All 24 Maryland guides
Maryland direct-to-consumer guide, 2026

Meats

Beef, pork, lamb, poultry and rabbit

Inspected Source Required
20,000Poultry exemption ceiling
1,000Higher label tier
40 FCarcass holding temp
MDAPoultry premises registration

What is covered

YESCovered by this path

  • Poultry processed on farm under the exemption
  • Meat from USDA or MDA inspected plants
  • Rabbits under the poultry rules

NONeeds a different path

  • Uninspected red meat sales
  • Poultry from other producers as your own
  • Meat past labeled holding temps

Three compliance steps

A

Register

Register poultry premises with MDA; no fee unless you have over 3,000 laying hens

B

Choose your path

Under 20,000 birds, sell directly from the farm; join the voluntary program to sell to restaurants, retailers and markets

C

Label and chill

Over 1,000 birds requires Exempt-P.L.-492; hold carcasses under 40 F

Quick reference

ItemRuleRegulator
Poultry under 20,000No inspection for farm-direct salesMDA
Voluntary programCertifies intrastate salesMDA
Over 1,000 birdsLabel Exempt-P.L.-492MDA
Red meatInspected plant requiredUSDA / MDA
StorageUnder 40 F until soldMDA

FAQ

Can I sell chicken at a market?

Only through the voluntary certification program.

Do I need to register?

Yes, poultry premises are registered for avian influenza control.

Can I sell uninspected beef?

Not retail; use an inspected plant.

Checklist