By Scout Nelson
The Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) has announced a forthcoming public hearing to discuss significant amendments to the meat and poultry inspection regulations. This hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, and will take place both in-person at the KDA’s office in Manhattan, Kansas, and via a video conferencing system.
The proposed regulatory updates are critical as they aim to integrate current federal code sections into a consolidated document. This effort ensures that Kansas’ state inspection protocols remain consistent with, and at least as stringent as, the federal meat and poultry inspection standards.
The specific changes involve amendments to two existing regulations and the revocation of another, all under the Kansas Meat and Poultry Inspection Act (K.S.A. 65-6a18, et seq.). These adjustments are designed to streamline state regulations and enhance the effectiveness of the inspection process.
For those interested in participating remotely, pre-registration is required to access the video link, available through the public hearing notice on the KDA website. Additionally, stakeholders can submit written comments either via the KDA’s public comment page or directly through email or postal mail.
Accessibility remains a priority, and individuals with disabilities can request special accommodation. Requests for accessible format documents or additional assistance should be directed to Ronda Hutton at the contact information provided in the public notice.
This public hearing represents a vital opportunity for stakeholders in the agriculture and food industries to engage with regulatory changes that could impact the future of meat and poultry safety in Kansas. It is a crucial step toward maintaining high standards in food safety and public health within the state.
Photo Credits:kansas-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Poultry