Responsibility for Proper USDA Labeling Normally Falls on the Producer or Distributor.  So who is responsible for placing labels on meat and poultry? The USDA requires that every retail meat package have a compliant label. The processor or packer who applies the USDA inspection mark carries the main legal responsibility. Distributors or brand owners may put their name on the package but share liability for false claims. If a grocery store repackages meat in-store, they must apply a basic label under the retail exemption. At every stage, the USDA oversees compliance, but the establishment whose inspection number appears on the package is primarily accountable. The USDA nominally inspects for proper labeling at those junctures.