Lawmakers in New Hampshire have passed a bill establishing a state meat inspection system that some equine welfare advocates worry could facilitate horse processing in that state.

HB 339-FN-A allows the New Hampshire state veterinarian to employ a meat inspection administrator. Bill provisions apply to intrastate meat sales and to interstate meat sales if authorized by the USDA.

Several states operate meat and poultry inspection programs under the USDA’s State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) Program, which operates under cooperative agreement with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Under the agreement, participating states must enforce food safety requirements that meet or exceed those contained in the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Poultry Products Inspection Act.

The New Hampshire bill specifically defines meat products as those derived from cattle, sheep, swine or goats, but also includes horses, mules, and other equines in its definition of livestock