Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 12/5/13

The White House has targeted April 2014 to issue final rules on USDA’s proposed new young chicken and turkey slaughter inspection rules based on its 15-year pilot program called the HACCP-based Inspection Model Project, or HIMP.

According to the proposed rule summary on the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) website, USDA estimates the expected annual costs to establishments would total $24.5 million. Expected annual total benefits were $285.5 million (with a range of $259.5 to $314.8 million). Expected annual net benefits were $261.0 million (with a range of $235.0 million to $290.3 million).

USDA first proposed the new rules and sought public comment in January 2012.

The proposed rules have generated a lot of public debate. USDA officials and the poultry industry support the rules as a step forward in the fight against pathogens, while public interest groups and some legislators question the fact that the proposal eliminates some federal inspection jobs and allows higher speed processing lines.

To read the proposed rule, click here.

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