Maximum Line Speed Under the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS)

FSIS is proposing to amend the Federal meat inspection regulations to allow establishments operating under the NSIS to determine their own line speeds based on their ability to maintain process control. FSIS is also proposing to clarify that the FSIS inspector may reduce the rate of establishment operations at any point in the slaughter process when, in their judgement, there is a loss of process control, or a carcass-by-carcass inspection cannot be adequately performed within the time available due to the manner in which the swine are presented to the online carcass inspector or the health condition of the particular herd. Finally, FSIS is proposing to amend the regulations to remove the requirement that NSIS establishments submit an annual attestation to FSIS stating that they maintain a program to monitor and document work-related conditions of establishment workers. The proposed amendments would allow NSIS establishments to slaughter swine more efficiently while continuing to ensure food safety and effective online carcass inspection.