Federal Judge Upholds New Swine Inspection System
On Sept. 30, a federal judge upheld USDA's New Swine Inspection System. This program gives employees a bigger role in the inspection process.
"We are pleased that the federal judge upheld the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) that incentivizes investment in new technologies while ensuring a safe supply of wholesome American pork," the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) said in a statement.
Last November, USDA said nine pork plants could apply to operate faster processing-line speeds under a one-year trial, after a federal judge in March 2021 struck down a rule that removed line speed limits, citing worker safety as a concern.
"Pork producers use science-based approaches to continuously improve and modernize their practices to ensure product quality and consistency and their workforce's health and safety," NPPC said in a statement.
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), in collaboration with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have been conducting a “time-limited trial” to enable plants to run faster line speeds.
Recently, two more NSIS hog harvesting facilities received the green light to increase line speeds: Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. in Madison, Neb., and Swift Pork Company in Beardstown, Ill.
More from Farm Journal's PORK:
Two Pork Processors Get the Green Light to Increase Line Speeds
Who Will Pay the Cost of Reduced Line Speeds in Pork Plants?
The Reality of Slower Line Speeds
Faster Line Speeds at NSIS Pork Plants: Huge Deal for Producers
