The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced proposed updates to federal line speed regulations in poultry and pork establishments operating under modern inspection systems Feb. 17, aimed at lowering food costs and improving supply chain efficiency while maintaining food safety oversight.
The proposed rules would update outdated processing requirements for poultry and pork establishments under modern inspection systems. The changes would allow eligible establishments to operate at speeds supported by their processes, equipment and food safety performance, with the Food Safety and Inspection Service maintaining full oversight.
“As secretary, my responsibility is to ensure that American families have access to affordable, safe, and abundant food,” said Sec. Rollins.
“These updates remove outdated bottlenecks so that we can lower production costs and create greater stability in our food system. By bringing our regulations in line with proven, real-world capabilities, we are supporting a stronger supply chain, giving producers and processors the certainty they need, and helping keep groceries more affordable for every household.”
The proposals maintain full federal oversight in every establishment and reaffirm the authority of inspectors to slow or stop operations whenever inspection cannot be performed effectively.
The changes provide clarity and consistency for establishments that have operated for years under a patchwork of waivers, pilots and temporary measures, replacing uncertainty with predictable, long-term rules. The updated regulations would also remove worker safety attestations that fall outside USDA’s statutory authority, reducing redundant paperwork for industry.
USDA invites public comment on both proposed rules. Comments will be accepted for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. More information is available at regulations.gov.
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