Origin

How to read a USDA meat establishment number

The small number near the inspection mark can help identify a processing facility.

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Start near the inspection mark

Look for an EST number on the package. USDA assigns establishment numbers to inspected plants, so the number can help identify the facility associated with a product. USDA guide to establishment numbers

A plant is not a farm

A facility address does not establish where the animal was born or raised. Processing, packing and animal origin are different facts. A U.S. processing location alone should not become an answer about an animal’s birthplace.

Keep the rest of the label

When checking a product, save the product name, barcode, establishment number and lot or date information together. That makes it easier to distinguish a current package from another size, supplier or production period.

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