USDA Submits Plan to Increase Poultry Slaughter Line Speeds

The USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service has formally filed its plan to allow poultry processors to increase line speeds at plants throughout the country.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture unit submitted to the White House Office of Management and Budget its proposal to permit chicken slaughter establishments to operate at line speeds up to 175 birds per minute “if certain criteria are met” on Nov. 6.

“The proposed amendments would allow certain young chicken establishments to slaughter birds more efficiently while continuing to ensure food safety and effective online carcass inspection,” the OMB entry states.

Previously, processors had to seek ...