NAICS 311612 - Meat Processed from Carcasses
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What is NAICS 311612
NAICS code 311612 pertains to establishments primarily engaged in processing or preserving meat and meat byproducts derived from purchased carcasses, excluding poultry and small game. This sector includes businesses that specialize in assembly cutting, packaging, and boxing of meats, commonly referred to as boxed meats. Companies operating under this classification serve as critical intermediaries in the meat supply chain, converting raw carcasses into consumer-ready or further processed meat products. Government agencies frequently contract with these businesses to ensure a reliable supply of processed meat products that meet stringent safety, quality, and regulatory standards. This is vital for programs including military food services, institutional feeding, and emergency preparedness stockpiles. The specialized nature of the processing and packaging operations requires adherence to federal and state food safety regulations, which these establishments are well-equipped to meet.
Industry Classification for NAICS 311612
This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in processing or preserving meat and meat byproducts (except poultry and small game) from purchased meats. This industry includes establishments primarily engaged in assembly cutting and packing of meats (i.e., boxed meats) from purchased meats.
Breakdown for NAICS 311612
- Covers processing and preserving meat from purchased carcasses except poultry and small game.
- Includes assembly cutting and packaging of boxed meats for wholesale and institutional use.
- Subject to strict USDA inspection and food safety regulations.
- Typical business sizes range from small processors to large-scale commercial operations.
- Contracts often support military, institutional, and emergency food supply needs.
- Emphasis on compliance, traceability, and quality assurance in government procurements.
Included Activities for NAICS 311612
- Processing raw meat carcasses into consumer-ready cuts.
- Packaging and boxing meat products for distribution.
- Preserving meat through refrigeration, freezing, or curing.
- Conducting quality control and food safety inspections.
- Complying with USDA and FDA regulatory requirements.
- Coordinating logistics for timely delivery to government facilities.
- Maintaining traceability and product labeling standards.
- Participating in government bidding and contract compliance reporting.
Business Types for NAICS 311612
- Meat processing plants
- Specialty meat packers
- Wholesale meat distributors
- Contract meat suppliers for military and institutions
- Cold storage and refrigerated logistics providers
- Food safety and quality assurance consultants
Subcategories for NAICS 311612
- Bacon, slab and sliced, made from purchased carcasses
- Beef stew made from purchased carcasses
- Beef, primal and sub-primal cuts, made from purchased carcasses
- Bologna made from purchased carcasses
- Boxed beef made from purchased carcasses
- Boxed meat produced from purchased carcasses
- Collagen sausage casings made from purchased hides
- Cooked meats made from purchased carcasses
- Corned meats made from purchases carcasses
- Cured meats (e.g., brined, dried, and salted) made from purchased carcasses
- Dried meats made from purchased carcasses
- Frozen meat pies (i.e., tourtiere) made from purchased carcasses
- Hams, canned, made from purchased carcasses
- Hams, preserved (except poultry), made from purchased carcasses
- Hot dogs (except poultry) made from purchased carcasses
- Lamb, primal and sub-primal cuts, made from purchased carcasses
- Luncheon meat (except poultry) made from purchased carcasses
- Meat canning (except baby food, pet food, poultry), made from purchased carcasses
- Meat extracts made from purchased carcasses
- Meat products canning (except baby food, pet food, poultry) made from purchased carcasses
- Meats (except poultry), cured or smoked, made from purchased carcasses
- Meats, fresh or chilled (except poultry and small game), frozen, made from purchased carcasses
- Pastrami made from purchased carcasses
- Pig's feet, cooked and pickled, made from purchased carcasses
- Pork, primal and sub-primal cuts, made from purchased carcasses
- Potted meats made from purchased carcasses
- Processed meats manufacturing
- Salted meats made from purchased carcasses
- Sandwich spreads, meat, made from purchased carcasses
- Sausage and similar cased products made from purchased carcasses
- Sausage casings, collagen, made from purchased hides
- Smoked meats made from purchased carcasses
- Variety meats, edible organs, made from purchased meats
- Veal, primal and sub-primal cuts, made from purchased carcasses
Government Buyers for NAICS 311612
Federal agencies such as the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the USDA are common purchasers of processed meat products from this sector. These agencies require processed meats to support military dining facilities, veterans' hospitals, federal prisons, and government-run cafeterias. Additionally, emergency management agencies may procure processed meat products for disaster relief and stockpiling purposes. The consistent demand for high-quality, safe, and shelf-stable meat products makes this sector essential in government supply chains. Buyers prioritize vendors that comply with USDA inspection standards and demonstrate the capacity for large-scale, timely deliveries to meet operational needs.
Contract Types & Procurement for NAICS 311612
Government contracts in this sector typically include firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ), and supply contracts. Procurement methods often involve competitive bidding through requests for proposals (RFPs) or invitations for bid (IFBs) via platforms like the GSA eBuy or FedBizOpps. Contracts may vary in size, ranging from small, short-term supply orders to multi-year, large-volume agreements supporting extensive institutional feeding programs. Contract values can range from tens of thousands to several million dollars depending on the scope, duration, and volume of meat products required. Some contracts may also include provisions for quality assurance audits and compliance reporting to ensure adherence to food safety standards.
Details for NAICS 311612
Explore the hierarchy and related codes for this industry
| NAICS Code | Industry Title |
|---|---|
| 31161 | Animal Slaughtering and Processing |
| 3116 | Animal Slaughtering and Processing |
| 311 | Food Manufacturing |
| NAICS Code | Industry Title |
|---|---|
| 311611 | Animal (except Poultry) Slaughtering |
| 311613 | Rendering and Meat Byproduct Processing |
| 311615 | Poultry Processing |
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