Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 10/17/14


Even as USDA begins implementing the new the new poultry inspection rules finalized on Aug. 1, senators who opposed the rules continue to write to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsak, seeking more information about how the program will work.

The latest is a letter from 15 senators asking Vilsack to answer 26 questions spanning rule implementation, food safety, worker safety, FSIS staffing and animal welfare concerns.  

Meanwhile, USDA is moving forward, today issuing a third set of instructions in a week to its inspectors about how to implement the new rules, which allow plants to shift some carcass sorting duties to plant employees and speed up production line speeds, among other things. For the most part, plants have the option of adopting the new rules or continuing with the current regulatory system, though there are some mandatory changes.

The latest notice to inspectors provides a general overview of the new rules, which go into effect on Monday, Oct. 20.
The final rule establishes a New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS) for young chickens and all turkeys but does not replace the existing Streamlined Inspection System (SIS), the New Line Speed Inspection System (NELS), the New Turkey Inspection System (NTIS), or Traditional Inspection systems.

Under the final rule, inspectors are to be aware that young chicken and turkey establishments, including those that have been participating in the HACCP- based Inspection Models Pilot (HIMP), may notify their District Office of their intent to operate under the NPIS.

Inspectors are also to be aware that FSIS will work out a schedule for implementing inspection under NPIS at establishments that intend to operate under the new system.

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