Faster Line Speeds and Modernized Inspection Raise Debate in U.S. Pork and Poultry Processing

U.S. pork and poultry processors are facing renewed scrutiny as federal regulators move toward permanently allowing faster processing line speeds under modernized inspection systems.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced plans to extend and formalize waivers that allow increased line speeds at certain pork and poultry plants. The changes are part of a broader effort to “modernize” inspection systems by shifting some carcass sorting responsibilities from federal inspectors to company employees, while USDA inspectors focus on food safety verification.

Industry groups have largely welcomed the move, citing efficiency gains, supply chain resilience, and science-based oversight. Critics, however, argue the changes could increase risks related to food safety, worker injury, and animal welfare.

What Is Changing
Under modernized inspection models:

Poultry plants may operate evisceration lines at higher speeds than traditional limits

Swine plants operating under waivers are not subject to federal line speed caps

Company employees perform initial carcass sorting

Federal inspectors remain present but take on more observational and verification roles

According to USDA, these changes allow inspectors to focus more on food safety outcomes rather than manual inspection tasks.