USDA to Permanently Approve Increased Swine Line Speeds Program

By Andi Anderson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced plans to make the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) increased line speed program permanent, marking a major step forward for pork producers nationwide.

Since 2019, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) has advocated for the increased line speeds to boost processing efficiency and help producers remain financially stable. The program allows pork processing plants to operate at faster speeds under USDA oversight while ensuring food safety is not compromised.

Duane Stateler, NPPC President and pork producer from Ohio, welcomed the decision, saying, “Without this program, some pork producers could have incurred an additional loss of nearly $10 a head.”

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) first approved trial increased line speeds at six pork plants in November 2021, collecting data to evaluate any impacts on worker safety. The pilot was extended in December 2023 and again in February 2024, with the current trial scheduled to end on January 15, 2025.

In April 2024, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Sandra Eskin spoke with producers about the progress of the pilot program during a legislative conference hosted by the NPPC. By May 2024, Senator John Boozman introduced a Farm Bill proposal that included making the program permanent, aligning with NPPC’s long-term goals.

In January 2025, FSIS published the results of a detailed study from the six pilot plants. The report concluded that higher line speeds were not a primary cause of worker musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), addressing one of the main concerns about the program’s safety.

The USDA’s decision is seen as a win for both producers and consumers, offering greater processing efficiency while upholding food safety standards. The NPPC has praised USDA’s leadership for recognizing the balance between worker welfare and the economic needs of pork producers.

Photo Credit: usda