Tennessee § 53-7-204 - Inspection and sanitary standards for official establishments for slaughtering or processing of livestock or poultry.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-7-204 — Inspection and sanitary standards for official establishments for slaughtering or processing of livestock or poultry., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 53-7-204. Inspection and sanitary standards for official establishments for slaughtering or processing of livestock or poultry.

Each official establishment at which livestock or poultry are slaughtered or livestock, deer, or poultry carcasses or parts of livestock, deer, or poultry carcasses, meat food products, or poultry products are processed for intrastate commerce shall have the premises, facilities and equipment, and be operated in accordance with sanitary practices required by rules and regulations prescribed by the commissioner for the purpose of preventing the entry into and movement in commerce of carcasses, parts of carcasses, meat food products, and poultry products that are unwholesome or adulterated. Nothing in subdivision (a)(1) shall be construed as permitting the sale of deer. No livestock, deer, or poultry carcasses or parts of livestock, deer, or poultry carcasses, meat food products or poultry products shall be admitted into any official establishment, unless they have been prepared only under inspection pursuant to this part or the federal Meat Inspection Act, compiled in 21 U.S.C. § 601 et seq., or the federal Poultry Products Inspection Act, compiled in 21 U.S.C. § 451 et seq., or their admission is permitted by rules and regulations prescribed by the commissioner under this part. Each establishment licensed under this part that freezes meat or poultry carcasses, parts of meat or poultry carcasses or meat food products or poultry products must be equipped to quick or sharp freeze at ten degrees below zero Fahrenheit (-10° F) and otherwise be equipped to process, store and deliver frozen foods according to official regulations. The commissioner shall refuse to render inspection to any establishment whose premises, facilities or equipment, or the operation of the premises, facilities or equipment, fail to meet the requirements of this section. Acts 1967, ch. 99, § 4; T.C.A., § 52-918; Acts 2007, ch. 421, § 8. Compiler's Notes. Acts 2007, ch. 421, § 20 provided that the commissioner of agriculture is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of the act. The rules and regulations shall be promulgated in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4, chapter 5.

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 53-7-204

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-7-204 cover?

Section 53-7-204 ("Inspection and sanitary standards for official establishments for slaughtering or processing of livestock or poultry.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Tennessee § 53-7-204?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 53-7-204" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Tennessee law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.

How does Tennessee § 53-7-204 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.