§ 20-60-102 — Arkansas bacon

(a) (1) The term "Arkansas bacon" shall not be used to identify any meat product other than the pork shoulder blade Boston roast prepared in the State of Arkansas in accordance with this section. (2) Pork shoulder blade Boston roast prepared outside the State of Arkansas but in the manner prescribed by this section may be identified as "Arkansas-style bacon". (b) (1) "Arkansas bacon" and "Arkansas-style bacon" are produced from the pork shoulder blade Boston roast by removing the neck bones and rib bones by cutting close to the underside of those bones, removing the blade bone or scapula, and removing the dorsal fat covering, including the skin or clear plate, and leaving no more than one-quarter inch (1/4") of the fat covering the roast. (2) (A) The meat is then dry-cured with salt, sugar, nitrites, and spices, and smoked with natural smoke. (B) The meat may not be injected or soaked in curing brine, nor may any artificial or liquid smoke be applied to the meat. (3) The pork shoulder blade Boston roast includes the porcine muscle, fat, and bone cut interior of the second or third thoracic vertebrae and posterior of the atlas joint or first cervical vertebrae and dorsal of the center of the humerus bone. (c) Any person who labels or otherwise identifies meat contrary to the provisions of this section shall be guilty of a violation punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).

Legislative History

Acts 1987, No. 326, §§ 1-3; 2005, No. 1994, § 135.