USDA proposes less poultry inspectors, faster line speed

Aug. 8, 2012 – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed some new rules for poultry producers: increase the speed of the lines by 25 per cent and decrease the number of inspectors.

According to an article from The Columbus Dispatch, the USDA wants inspectors to focus on issues that pose the greatest risk to consumers, such as from pathogens like salmonella and campylobacter. However, food safety groups contest that it will open the door for an increase of contamination by fecal matter and create a conflict of interest within the plant.

The USDA has not made a decision on the proposal, and the changes are expected to be voluntary (though experts believe most will opt-in in order to stay competative).

For more information on the proposed changes, as well as what it could mean to suppliers, please see The Columbus Dispatch.