At live animal markets in the US, which statement about custom exempt status is true?

• A. Custom exempt from slaughter and processing
• B. All meat is slaughtered and processed under routine inspection
• C. Meat can be sold to the general public
• D. They operate under no regulatory oversight

Answer: (A)

Custom exempt status applies to meat that is slaughtered and processed for the private use of the owner who supplied the animal. It means the meat is not intended for sale to others and is not subjected to routine federal inspection for wholesomeness when sold. The owner can take the product for personal use, but it cannot be sold to the general public. There is still some regulatory oversight, typically at state or local levels, and facilities must maintain proper sanitation and labeling requirements. So the statement that best fits is that custom exempt is exempt from routine slaughter and processing inspection for sale, aligning with private-use meat rather than commerce.