The Vermont Meat Inspection Service runs an inspection program that has an “at least equal to” status with that of the federal government's USDA Food Safety Inspection Service. Vermont's program provides inspection services to producers ranging from slaughter operations for meat and poultry, simple processing for ground products and individual cuts to complex processing for products such as ham, bacon, summer sausage, and Jerky products. The inspection of these products and processes allows for the marketing of meat and poultry products to restaurants, retailers, wholesalers, etc., throughout the state.

In addition, the program licenses custom slaughter and processing operations in the state. The inspection service verifies compliance with the rules and regulations concerning the processing of custom prepared products for an individual's personal use.

Vermont's Meat Inspection Service also has a compliance and evaluation program for retail stores providing meat and poultry products to consumers. At the retail level, inspectors verify sanitation, proper labeling, and safe handling procedures for these establishments.

Once a product leaves an inspected establishment, the compliance and investigations section monitors businesses involved in the distribution and production of these products in commerce.