By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced proposed updates to federal line speed regulations for pork and poultry facilities operating under modern inspection systems. The changes are designed to improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary regulatory barriers, and help keep food affordable for American families.
“As Secretary, my responsibility is to ensure that American families have access to affordable, safe, and abundant food. These updates remove outdated bottlenecks so that we can lower production costs and create greater stability in our food system,” said Secretary Rollins.
“By bringing our regulations in line with proven, real-world capabilities, we are supporting a stronger supply chain, giving producers and processors the certainty they need, and helping keep groceries more affordable for every household,” said Rollins.
Officials stated that the updates are based on years of experience and data gathered from plants operating under waivers and pilot programs. These facilities have shown they can operate safely at higher speeds when supported by proper equipment, processes, and strong food safety records.
If finalized, the new rules will allow eligible establishments to operate at speeds appropriate for their production systems. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will maintain full federal oversight. Inspectors would still have the authority to slow or stop production if they are unable to properly conduct inspections.
USDA explained that many plants have worked for years under temporary measures. The proposed rules will replace these short-term arrangements with consistent and predictable regulations. This change is expected to provide long-term stability for producers and processors.
Another part of the proposal will remove worker safety attestations that fall outside USDA’s statutory authority. The agency says this adjustment will reduce paperwork and prevent regulatory duplication, allowing businesses to focus more on safe and efficient production.
The proposal supports a broader effort to strengthen domestic production capacity and create a more resilient supply chain. USDA leaders emphasized that strong food safety protections remain a top priority, alongside efforts to lower grocery costs.
The department is seeking public feedback on both proposed rules. A 60-day public comment period will begin once the proposals are published in the Federal Register. More details will be available through regulations.gov.
“The Meat Institute has supported changes to line speed rules for pork and poultry processing through four Administrations. We applaud the leadership of the Trump Administration in what we hope will be the final action to modernize FSIS rules and procedures to allow for innovation in processing and to increase production,” said Meat Institute President and CEO, Julie Anna Potts. “With this long overdue regulatory certainty, our member companies can invest in their operations to continue growth of the processing sector which benefits the consumer with more affordable and nutritious food.”
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Categories: National