Source:Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE, 12/12/17




USDA is accepting public comments on a call for faster line speeds at chicken processing plants through Wednesday, a move that could wind up boosting the number of birds processed per minute to as much as 175 from 140.


The National Chicken Council (NCC) issued a petition Sept. 1 asking the agency’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to waive speed restrictions under the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS). The NCC believes that higher line speeds will help processors better address overseas competitors while opponents like the National Employment Law Project argue that faster line speeds could pose additional hazards in terms of employee safety and product quality.

NCC has cited data from 20 plants participating in a special project working at 175 birds per minute posted better levels of food safety since 2007, without compromising employee safety or food quality.

Opponents, including the Interfaith Worker Justice and the National Employment Law Project, today delivered a letter to USDA chief Sonny Perdue to ask the agency to maintain the cap at 140 birds per minute.

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