Rule 901:2-1-05 | Exemptions based on religious dietary laws.
(A) Any person who slaughters, processes, or otherwise handles cattle, sheep, swine, or goats which have been or are to be processed as required by recognized religious dietary laws may apply for exemption from specific provisions of the act or regulations which are in conflict with such religious dietary laws. Any person desiring such an exemption shall:
(1) Apply in writing to the Ohio department of agriculture, meat and poultry inspection division, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 setting forth the specific provisions of the act and the regulations from which exemption is sought;
(2) Set forth the provisions of the religious dietary laws in support of the requested exemption; and
(3) Submit a statement from the clerical official having jurisdiction over the enforcement of the religious dietary laws with respect to the cattle, sheep, swine or goats involved, which identifies the requirements of such laws pertaining to the slaughter of the livestock and the processing or other handling of the meat and meat food products involved, and certifies that such requirements are in conflict with specific provisions of the act and regulations from which the exemption is sought.
(B) The department, upon a determination that an exemption should be granted, will grant such exemption to the extent necessary to avoid conflict with the religious requirements while still effectuating the purposes of the act. The department may impose such conditions as to sanitary standards, practices, and procedures in granting such an exemption as the department deems necessary to effectuate the purposes of the act.
(C) The department may in accordance with applicable rules of practice suspend or terminate any exemption under this rule whenever he finds that such action will aid in effectuating the purposes of the act.
(D) Failure to comply with the conditions of the exemption, including, but not limited to, failure to process livestock and/or meat and meat food products under clean and sanitary conditions may result in termination of an exemption, in addition to any other penalties provided by law.
(E) Inspectors of the inspection service are authorized to make inspections in accordance with law to ascertain whether any of the provisions of the act or regulations applying to producers, retailers, or other persons purporting to be exempt from any requirements under this subpart have been violated.
Last updated January 18, 2024 at 8:21 AM
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