Yes, if you have a facility that meets the requirements as outlined in 9 CFR 416.2 - 416.5. These facilities may be subject to inspection by the MDA to ensure proper construction and sanitation. Home-slaughtered birds may be sold to end consumers at farmers' markets, but they cannot be sold at grocery stores or other retail outlets.
Farmers selling whole or cut up poultry (no other ingredients added) from their own flock are not required to be licensed. However, certain local governments may require licensing to sell products at a farmers' market so it is important to check with your market manager about local regulations, as well. For information on processing options, see the answer to the question below.
Farmers selling whole or cut up poultry (no other ingredients added) from their own flock are not required to be licensed. However, certain local governments may require licensing to sell products at a farmers' market so it is important to check with your market manager about local regulations, as well. For information on processing options, see the answer to the question below.
To sell these chickens, your local butcher would need to be a USDA inspected or Minnesota “Equal To” inspected processing plant. These plants must meet more stringent food safety standards than those for custom exempt plants. During a USDA or Minnesota Equal To inspection, each chicken is inspected for food safety and wholesomeness to ensure the chickens have been processed to the highest level of food safety. For a list of USDA plants, contact the USDA Des Moines District Office at 1-800-990-9834. Minnesota Equal To plants are listed online at Minnesota State "Equal To" Plants. A farmer can also process their own poultry for sales to end consumers at a farmers' market. Learn more in our fact sheet: Selling Farm-Slaughtered Poultry and Rabbits.
To sell these chickens, your local butcher would need to be a USDA inspected or Minnesota “Equal To” inspected processing plant. These plants must meet more stringent food safety standards than those for custom exempt plants. During a USDA or Minnesota Equal To inspection, each chicken is inspected for food safety and wholesomeness to ensure the chickens have been processed to the highest level of food safety. For a list of USDA plants, contact the USDA Des Moines District Office at 1-800-990-9834. Minnesota Equal To plants are listed online at Minnesota State "Equal To" Plants. A farmer can also process their own poultry for sales to end consumers at a farmers' market. Learn more in our fact sheet: Selling Farm-Slaughtered Poultry and Rabbits.
There are no regulatory requirements for an individual to process their own birds for their own personal use.
There are no regulatory requirements for an individual to process their own birds for their own personal use.
Access to Information in an Alternative Format
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture strives to ensure that reasonable steps are taken to provide meaningful access and an equal opportunity to participate in services, activities and programs to individuals whose first language is not English or who need an accommodation for a disability.
Translation services are available if individuals need assistance to access services, activities and programs; key documents and resources may be translated upon request.
For assistance in obtaining access to services or to arrange for translation services, please contact the Dairy and Meat Inspection Division at 651-201-6300.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
