Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 7/11/14


On your mark. Get set. Fight!

Groups for and against USDA’s proposed updates to the federal poultry inspection system were ready and waiting for yesterday’s announcement that the final rule has moved to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval.

Details of the final proposed rule were not revealed, but the initial proposal would reduce the number of USDA inspectors on poultry processing lines, reassigning some of them to spend more time ensuring the plant’s own safety measures are working. It would also allow poultry plants to speed up their production lines.  

The agency has predicted the new rules would reduce foodborne illnesses related to poultry. Opponents predict reduced food safety and increased worker injury.  

All in favor
The National Chicken Council chose the same day to announced the launch of a new, informative website — www.ChickenInspectionFacts.com — designed for consumers and the media to help them better understand both the traditional and modernized inspection processes. 

The website contains: video of a chicken processing line; video testimonials from food safety, veterinary and poultry processing experts; a Myths & Facts section; a timeline; and several infographics and diagrams.

Those opposed
Those who oppose the proposal also were ready with statements and their own fact sheets.  

“This rule, which essentially privatizes poultry inspections, serves up the huge gift of deregulation to the meat industry,” said Wenonah Hauter, executive director of Food & Water Watch. “If the White House acquiesces, it will be a disaster for workers and consumers who want to know that the poultry they are eating is safe.”

Food and Water Watch’s website is equally laden with fact sheets, links and “take action” buttons encouraging and enabling readers to oppose the rule.

More debate
Even though the final proposal went through the same public comment process that all such rules do, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), a vocal opponent of the proposed rules, wants more public debate.

“The Administration should also publish the revised rule now, open a 120 day comment period, and hold public meetings around the country. We need more transparency and public health stakeholders need to receive due consideration,” DeLauro said in a statement.

“Secretary Vilsack is well aware of my concerns with the proposed poultry processing rule, and the detrimental effect the draft rule would have on food and worker safety, as well as animal welfare. This rulemaking process is not over and I will continue to fight,” she said.

The White House typically has 90 days to rule on such proposals, but can extend that time by 30 days if needed.

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