i may have found out why!
http://cofarmtomarket.com/value-added-products/meat-2/
it seems there is a bit of a loupole in the law on this.
By the whole animal or portion (halves or quarters) of the animal: If you are processing an animal for consumption by the owner of the animal, this meat does not require USDA inspection – it is considered custom-exempt, meaning a processor that does not require continuous inspection because they only process meat for the owner of the animal. The meat or poultry cannot be sold and can only be consumed by the following:
- The owner of the animal
- The owner’s immediate family
- Non-paying guests
so basically you can LEGALLY offer the service of butchering to the public, as long as you don't charge for the meat. You CAN sell the service of butchering.
so simla foods basically does this. they sell the SERVICE of butchering to the public and charge by the pound. but they are selling the service to the owner of the animal for the owners consumption of the animal.
SO if you raise a animal and have them butcher it , you can NOT legally sell that meat to anyone. you can only consume it. and they can NOT sell meat they butchered in their grocery store which make sence if you have ever been in their grocery store..
i would have NEVER guessed this was possible.
They are very good butchers by the way , i have used them on occasion and have never had a complaint. they are fast, courteous and do a very professional job.
