[Question Concerning Legality of Florida Proposal for Meat Inspectors]

In response to a congressional request, GAO commented on the legality of a Florida Department of Agriculture proposal to cross-utilize federal and state meat inspectors. GAO noted that: (1) states may legally assist in federal meat and poultry inspections; (2) an hour-for-hour exchange of services would balance out any costs federal or state governments incur; and (3) both the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and states agriculture departments would benefit from the exchange because they would avoid the expense of sending their inspectors to other geographical areas. GAO determined that USDA was authorized to implement the proposal.