New Bill Introduced to Modernize Meat and Poultry Processing Line Speeds
A new bill, the American Protein Processing Modernization Act, has been introduced in Congress by Representative Brad Finstad of Minnesota to allow meat and poultry processing plants to operate with faster line speeds. This legislative effort aims to enhance efficiency and maintain food safety while improving worker protections.
In 2019, the USDA implemented the New Swine Inspection System, which permitted increased line speeds at processing plants. However, in March 2021, a U.S. District Court struck down the provision due to insufficient worker safety data. Following this, USDA initiated a pilot program at six facilities to collect necessary data on worker safety associated with faster line speeds.
The American Protein Processing Modernization Act aims to build on this progress by enabling plants to “operate at full capacity beyond arbitrary government deadlines.” The bill also “requires USDA to publish food safety criteria for operating at increased line speeds, ensuring that processors who meet the criteria can continue operating without fear of an arbitrary slowdown.” Furthermore, it is designed to bring U.S. meat and poultry processing closer to global competitiveness and protect farmers’ livelihoods by reducing potential arbitrary cuts in processing capacity.
Bryan Humphreys, CEO of the National Pork Producers Council, expressed strong support:
“Ensuring adequate harvest capacity is essential for America’s pig farmers to continue delivering safe, high-quality pork to breakfast, lunch, and dinner plates across America. We’re grateful for Congressman Finstad’s support in helping meat processing facilities run efficiently and safely.”
Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, also praised the bill:
“The nation’s producers, processors, and consumers deserve certainty, and the Biden Administration’s actions on pork and poultry processing line speeds provided anything but. Thankfully, it’s a new day at USDA under the leadership of Secretary Rollins. I commend Rep. Finstad for spearheading this legislation—steeped in science, technology, and innovation—that would provide a permanent solution to protect and enhance our nation’s food supply and look forward to working with USDA to get it done.”
This bill represents a critical step toward modernizing meat processing, boosting U.S. industry competitiveness, and ensuring food safety and worker protection.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.