Missouri Direct-to-Consumer Guide 15 of 24
Meats
Beef, pork, lamb and poultry sold to consumers
Licensed Facility Required
1,000Poultry bird exemption per year
20,000Producer-grower bird exemption
MMPIState inspection, in-state only
CustomExempt meat is not for sale
What is covered, and what needs a different path
Covered
- MDA- or USDA-inspected meat
- Poultry under the 1,000 or 20,000 bird exemptions
- Retail from inspected sources
Needs a different path
- Custom-exempt meat sold to the public
- Uninspected red meat of any amount
- Mixing exemptions in one year
Three compliance steps
AChoose the inspection path
Sell MDA- or USDA-inspected meat; state inspection limits sales to Missouri.
BUse poultry exemptions carefully
Birds processed under an exemption must not be mixed with other exempt classes.
CKeep records
Date, buyer and number sold for exempt products.
Quick reference
| Item | Rule | Regulator |
|---|
| Beef, pork, lamb | MDA or USDA inspection | MDA MPIP / USDA |
| Poultry under 1,000 | Producer exemption; sell only your own | MDA MPIP |
| Poultry under 20,000 | Exemption with criteria | MDA MPIP |
| Custom exempt | For owner only, marked not for sale | MDA MPIP |
| Sales tax | Retail sales are taxable; Missouri sales tax license, state plus local rate | MO DOR |
FAQ
Can I sell a custom-processed steer?
No. Selling custom-exempt meat is a violation.
Do I register?
MU Extension says anyone selling meat in Missouri registers with MDA.
Who do I call?
MDA Meat and Poultry Inspection at 573-522-1242.
Printable checklist
- Pick inspection path
- Call MDA MPIP
- Do not sell custom product
- Mark labels
- Keep sales records
- Register for sales tax