1. (1) Any person that wants to operate a slaughterhouse, packing house, mobile slaughter facility, or meat depot business must apply for a license with the department.
2. (2) A meat depot license is not required for anyone licensed and inspected by a local public health authority.
3. (3) Complete drawings and specifications for both new and remodeled establishments must be submitted to and approved by the department prior to construction.

4. (4) No license may be granted until a representative of the department has:

   1. (a) inspected the proposed premises; and
   2. (b) provided the applicant with applicable sanitation requirements.
5. (5) Establishments operating under a grant of inspection from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service are not required to obtain a license from the department.

Authorizing statute(s): 81-2-102, 81-9-220, 81-20-101, MCA

Implementing statute(s): 81-2-102, 81-9-201, 81-9-217, 81-9-219, 81-9-220, 81-9-226, 81-9-227, 81-9-228, 81-9-229, 81-9-230, 81-9-231, 81-20-101, MCA

History: Eff. 12/31/72; AMD, 2006 MAR p. 1283, Eff. 5/19/06; AMD, 2020 MAR p. 329, Eff. 2/15/20; AMD, 2026 MAR, Notice No. 2026-37, Eff. 5/23/26.