The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced it will again extend time-limited trials at six pork packing plants operating with faster harvest line speeds. The latest extension runs through Jan. 15, 2025.
USDA in late 2019 established the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS), allowing packing plants to determine their own line speeds based on their ability to maintain process controls. A U.S. District Court in March 2021 vacated the provision, citing a lack of safety data. FSIS in November 2021 implemented a time-limited trial for six NSIS facilities to use increased line speeds for one year while collecting data for evaluating the impact of the faster speeds on workers. The trial period was previously extended twice, including 90 days in late November 2023.
NPPC’s take: NPPC supports extension of — and making permanent — the NSIS line speeds program, which could increase packing capacity and alleviate supply issues.
Why it matters: Without the faster line speeds, packers would see a decrease in packing capacity, which could lead to a drop in pork prices.
