Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 1/2/19

USDA moved early last year to allow certain poultry plants to accelerate their processing line speeds to 175 birds per minute — well above the existing federal cap of 140 birds per minute — if the plants passed salmonella testing and met other requirements.

Several plants enrolled in the program have already failed those food-safety tests. But in a recent interview with POLITICO, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service indicated the plants won't necessarily lose their ability to run faster line speeds.
The statement sparked fresh criticism from food safety advocates, who argue faster line speeds are likely to increase the risk of worker injuries and food contamination.