Explanations of Plant Types

State Plants
These facilities are under N.C.D.A. inspection and are inspected daily by a trained Meat & Poultry Inspector. Animals scheduled for slaughter and carcasses of slaughtered animals are inspected for disease and condemned by a veterinarian if necessary. Products from these establishments are labeled "Inspected and Passed by N.C.D.A" and bear a rhomboid shaped inspection legend. These products can be sold anywhere within the state of North Carolina. These establishments may also slaughter and/or process Custom Exempt product including wild game if kept separate from inspected products.

Custom Plants
These facilities slaughter and /or process Custom Exempt products: meat, poultry and wild game (deer and other animals hunted for food) for private individuals only. All products are marked "NOT FOR SALE" and identified by the owner's name. These facilities are reviewed for sanitation and proper labeling of product. The meat and poultry products are not inspected for disease or quality and cannot enter commerce. All products must be returned to the original owner for his/her personal use and cannot be sold.

TA (Talmadge-Aiken) Plants
These facilities are USDA inspected plants that are staffed by inspectors who are state employees. They are inspected daily by a trained Meat & Poultry Inspector. Animals scheduled for slaughter and carcasses of slaughtered animals are checked for disease and condemned by a veterinarian if necessary. Meat products produced in these plants are "Inspected and Passed by USDA." Poultry Products produced in these establishments are "Inspected for Wholesomeness by USDA." They bear a round USDA inspection legend and may be shipped anywhere in the United States or exported to foreign countries. These establishments may also slaughter and / or process Custom Exempt product including wild game if kept separate from inspected products.

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