P.R. Laws tit. 24, § 774h
From and after December 15, 1969, there may only operate in Puerto Rico those slaughterhouses or establishments, which process meat food products, constructed, enlarged or improved and which operate in accordance with the standards established by this chapter and the regulations promulgated by virtue thereof; Provided, That should an agreement be obtained with the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States to postpone for an additional year, from and after the indicated date, the application to Puerto Rico of Titles I and IV of the Federal Wholesome Meat Act approved December 15, 1967, the Secretary may grant provisional authorizations to permit the operation of those slaughterhouses or establishments which process meat food products which fulfill the minimum health requirements established by mutual agreements between the Secretary and the Secretary of Agriculture of the United States, which assure that the operation in said slaughterhouses or establishments does not constitute a risk to the public health; Provided, further, That the date of expiration of said provisional authorizations may be extended only up to December 15, 1970. From and after this last date there may only operate in Puerto Rico slaughterhouses and those other establishments which process meat food products that the Secretary may authorize and which totally fulfill the standards established by this chapter and the requirements which may be established in the regulations promulgated in virtue thereof.
The Secretary shall begin to render the inspection services provided by this chapter and its regulations in those slaughterhouses or establishments that on and from December 15, 1969, are authorized by him and which comply with the standards established by this chapter and the regulations promulgated in virtue thereof, or which have provisional authorization from the Secretary to operate as previously indicated.
History —June 28, 1969, No. 120, p. 334, § 409.