In a recent update to the Senate Ag Committee, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack hinted at the likelihood of extending waivers to enable faster poultry processing line speeds. This move comes amidst ongoing trials and modifications within the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
Initially announced in November, the FSIS declared an extension of its trial period for the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS) establishments, permitting them to operate without line-speed limits for an additional 90 days. This decision aimed at gathering more comprehensive data regarding the efficacy and safety implications of unrestricted line speeds.
By the end of February, the USDA made further adjustments, incorporating a swine study into the time-limited trial for participating hog slaughterhouses operating at increased line speeds under the New Swine Inspection Service (NSIS). This trial, slated to run until January 15, 2025, seeks to enhance the understanding of the impacts of accelerated processing rates on both food safety and worker well-being.
During the oversight hearing, Vilsack emphasized the USDA’s commitment to evaluating the consequences of heightened poultry line speeds on worker safety as part of its preparations for future regulatory decisions. This ongoing analysis underscores the agency’s dedication to balancing efficiency with worker protection in meat processing facilities.
Notably, the issue of increased poultry kill rates has sparked controversy in recent years. In 2020, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and other advocacy groups initiated a lawsuit against the USDA, challenging the decision to allow slaughterhouses to escalate chicken kill rates to as high as 175 birds per minute.
While a recent court ruling favored a motion filed by the USDA, asserting the lack of standing of HSUS and other plaintiffs on the matter, it left the door open for potential future legal action. Dismissing the case without prejudice, the court provided an opportunity for the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint, ensuring continued scrutiny and debate over the regulatory framework governing meat processing line speeds.
