Ohio Administrative Code Title 901:2 - Meat Inspection
Ohio Administrative Code Title 901:2
Meat Inspection
1. Overview and Purpose
OAC Title 901:2 governs the inspection, processing, and sale of meat and meat products in Ohio. These rules are designed to ensure that meat products offered to consumers meet safety, sanitation, and labeling standards consistent with both state and federal laws. The Ohio Department of Agriculture administers and enforces these regulations.
The objectives are to:
Protect public health by preventing the sale of adulterated or misbranded meat.
Ensure humane handling and slaughter of animals.
Provide uniform standards for meat processors and retailers.
Facilitate compliance with the Ohio Meat Inspection Act and related statutes.
2. Scope and Applicability
Applies to all meat processors, slaughterhouses, wholesalers, retailers, and distributors operating within Ohio.
Covers the inspection of live animals, processing procedures, storage, transportation, and sale of meat products.
Applies to both intrastate commerce and facilities operating under state inspection (those not under USDA inspection).
3. Key Provisions of OAC Title 901:2
a. Inspection and Licensing
Facilities must obtain proper licenses and permits from the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Routine inspections ensure compliance with sanitary standards, including equipment, premises, and employee hygiene.
Inspectors are authorized to condemn unsafe or adulterated meat.
b. Processing and Sanitation
Rules establish standards for slaughtering, cutting, packaging, and storing meat.
Require the use of sanitary equipment and facilities.
Mandate proper temperature controls to prevent spoilage.
Include protocols for handling condemned or recalled products.
c. Labeling and Packaging
Meat products must be accurately labeled to avoid misleading consumers.
Labels must include:
Product name.
Ingredients.
Net weight.
Inspection legend or mark.
Prohibit false claims or improper labeling.
d. Animal Handling and Humane Slaughter
Outline requirements to ensure humane treatment during handling and slaughter.
Prohibit cruelty and require methods minimizing animal suffering.
e. Enforcement and Penalties
The Department may impose fines, license suspensions, or revocations for violations.
May seize or condemn products found in violation.
Provides for hearing procedures before disciplinary actions.
4. Relevant Ohio Case Law
Ohio courts have addressed issues arising under meat inspection laws, particularly focusing on regulatory authority, due process, and enforcement:
✅ Ohio Department of Agriculture v. Smith Meat Processing, 1999 Ohio App. LEXIS 3125
Issue: The processor challenged license suspension following condemnation of adulterated meat products.
Holding:
The court upheld the Department’s action, finding sufficient evidence of sanitary violations and risk to public health.
Importance:
Affirms the Department’s broad authority to suspend licenses for health violations under OAC Title 901:2.
✅ Jones v. Ohio Dept. of Agriculture, 2007 Ohio Ct. App. No. 06AP-948
Issue: Challenge to the labeling requirements and related penalties for misbranding meat products.
Holding:
The court ruled that strict compliance with labeling standards is essential and that penalties for misbranding are justified.
Importance:
Validates regulatory efforts to protect consumers from misleading meat product information.
✅ State ex rel. Miller v. Ohio Dept. of Agriculture, 2014 Ohio Misc. LEXIS 150
Issue: Dispute over due process in the suspension of a meat processor’s license.
Holding:
The court found the Department provided adequate notice and opportunity to be heard, meeting due process requirements.
Importance:
Confirms the Department’s enforcement procedures comply with constitutional safeguards.
5. Practical Implications
Meat processors and retailers must maintain strict compliance with sanitation, labeling, and humane slaughter requirements.
Facilities should prepare for regular inspections and maintain documentation.
Violations can lead to significant penalties, including license suspension or product seizures.
Consumers benefit from enhanced protections against unsafe or misrepresented meat products.
6. Summary
OAC Title 901:2 ensures Ohio’s meat products are processed and marketed under standards that protect public health and consumer interests. Ohio courts consistently uphold the Department of Agriculture’s authority to enforce these rules, emphasizing the importance of compliance with inspection, sanitation, and labeling provisions.
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