Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is set to review a bipartisan-sponsored bill granting the New Mexico Livestock Board authority over meat and poultry inspections in the state. Inspections conducted and certifications issued by the NMLB would be equivalent to or greater than those given by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Senate Bill 37, known as the Meat Inspection Act, received unanimous support Feb. 13 from the New Mexico House of Representatives after receiving unanimous approval from the state Senate. The bill calls for the establishment of a comprehensive state meat and poultry inspection program administered through the NMLB.
The New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s analysis of SB 37 suggests that new statutory authority over a state-level meat and poultry inspection program would enhance local meat industries and have a positive effect on the state’s economy.
