The United States Department of Agriculture has implemented new regulations which lift restrictions on line speeds at pork processing plants.
There have been limits since a court ruling in 2021.
Since then only some plants have been allowed to operate faster line speeds under close supervision.
The Meat Institute said plant employees in swine slaughter establishments conduct manual sorting activities to remove defects in carcasses and parts prior to FSIS (Food Safety and Inspection Service) inspection, making inspection more efficient. Critically, FSIS inspects 100 per cent of live animals prior to slaughter and all carcasses after slaughter in all regulated facilities., including allowing staff to cut away portions from carcasses before they are presented for inspectors’ scrutiny.”
“With this long overdue regulatory certainty, our member companies can invest in their operations to continue growth of the processing sector which benefits the consumer with more affordable and nutritious food,” said the Meat Institute.
