Rep. Niemerg Helps Cut Costs on Meat for Consumers

State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich), passed House Bill 2601 unanimously (106-0-0) out of the Illinois House of Representatives today to bring uniformity to meat inspections in Illinois. The change in the law will help cut back on government redundancy and regulation, as well as cut back on the cost of the wrapping paper used in the meat processing industry.

"I have been working on this issue for over two years for farmers in my district and am happy to announce that this initiative has finally passed unanimously and will now go to the Senate for consideration," commented Rep. Niemerg, who represents the largest agricultural district in Illinois. "Passed earlier by the Agriculture and Conservation Committee, this proposal will cut government regulation and costs for meat processing in Illinois. and is also supported by the Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Beef Association.

The proposal will permit the Director of Agriculture to exempt from inspection animals slaughtered or any meat or meat food products prepared on a custom basis and the Type I licensee plainly marks all such articles prepared on a custom basis "NOT FOR SALE" and satisfies certain other conditions. Supported by the Illinois Association of Meat Processors, House Bill 2601 now goes to the Illinois Senate for consideration.

Brief comments by Rep. Niemerg during debate in the Illinois House:

For more information, you may contact the office at 217-813-6036 or online at RepNiemerg.com.