Selling Homemade Chicken Meat

Summary

In michigan, you can sell homemade chicken meat under certain conditions, but you must comply with regulations set by the michigan department of agriculture & rural development. These regulations include ensuring the poultry is healthy at the time of slaughter, processing in a clean and sanitary environment, proper labeling, and having a mandatory recall plan.

Full Conversation

Trying to figure out how to sell my own chicken meat that i raise to consumers.
What state are you planning to sell your chicken meat in, ****?
Michigan
What type of facility do you use to process your chickens, ****? In Michigan, you may need a license from the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
My own backyard setup
Do you follow any specific guidelines or regulations for processing your chickens in your backyard setup?

In Michigan, the "Poultry Exemption Requirements for Small Enterprise Chicken Processors" apply.
I do process away from any chemicals or gases. I have clean surfaces i keep the meat in a separate freezer away from living quarters
Do you have a plan for labeling and packaging your chicken meat for sale? In Michigan, labeling requirements are enforced for consumer protection.
Yes ill have a private label with my business name on there weight and total amounts
What are the sanitation measures you have in place for your processing setup? In Michigan, sanitation is a key requirement for small enterprise chicken processors.
Cleaning working stations prior to working. All scraps r put in a separate container and dispose of later on. All tools r deep cleaned before use. Each bird is raised on pasture so fully clean birds.
Do you have a system in place for tracking and recalling your products in case of a food safety issue? In Michigan, a recall plan is required for small enterprise chicken processors.
I do not have that in place.
What steps are you planning to take to implement a recall plan for your products? In Michigan, having a recall plan is mandatory for small enterprise chicken processors.
I will be making a plan for that if i need to. Ill have to sit down and work out a plab before anything
What specific steps are you considering for your recall plan? In Michigan, it's important to have a detailed recall plan that includes identifying the problem, stopping distribution, and notifying consumers.
I make sure my birds are all healthy and clean before butchering day. If there is a outbreak of anything i will know ahead of butchering day. Ill make sure no sales r happebing if any outbreaks happen.
What measures will you take to notify consumers in case of a recall? In Michigan, it's crucial to have a system for notifying consumers about recalls.
Using a email or phone number calling.
What system will you use to keep track of your customers' contact information for recall notifications? In Michigan, maintaining accurate records of sales and customer information is crucial for effective recall procedures.
Asking the consumer for their email and or phone number for this reasons.
What measures will you take to ensure the privacy and security of your customers' contact information? In Michigan, businesses are required to comply with state and federal data privacy laws.
Im just a backyard farmer. Ill have all that stuff in files locked up in a safe.
What steps will you take to ensure that these files are protected from potential damage or loss, such as fire or theft? In Michigan, it's important to have a secure and reliable system for storing customer data.
I have water and fire prodf safes to store things in.
That's a good step. Do you have any backup plan in case the physical files are inaccessible? In Michigan, it's recommended to have a digital backup of important documents.
I guess if i got big enough that i woukd have a digital back up. But, i want to stay small scale small batches i dont hage any concerns with that.
What measures will you take to ensure the quality and safety of your chicken meat to avoid any potential recalls?
Having clean processing and making sure meat hits the freezer within 24hrs
What measures are you taking to ensure the temperature control of your meat from processing to sale, as this is crucial in preventing bacterial growth?
During processing the meat is stored in a ice bath for a few hours to limitd bacteria and to limit toughness of meat. Then once meat has rested in ice bath straight into the freezer it goes
What is your plan for transportation and delivery of the meat to ensure it remains at the required temperature until it reaches the consumer?
They will be transported in coolers with plenty of ice to the farmers markets
What are the specific measures you're taking to ensure the coolers maintain the required temperature during transportation?
Making sure there isnt any damage to coolers bo crack ao cold doesnt escape etc.
What is your plan for regular inspection and maintenance of these coolers to ensure they are in good condition and effective in maintaining the required temperature?
I just want to know can i sell my meat with out a usda facility
In Michigan, under certain conditions, you can sell your poultry without USDA inspection. However, you must comply with the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development regulations.
And what are those regulations
The regulations in Michigan for selling poultry include:

- Poultry must be healthy at the time of slaughter.
- Processing must occur in a clean, sanitary environment.
- Proper labeling is required.
- A recall plan is mandatory.