The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to permanently increase processing line speeds for poultry and pork plants, which would benefit meat producers but raise concerns about worker safety and food standards.
Facilities operating under waivers can currently process up to 175 chickens per minute, compared to the previous limit of 140. The USDA will extend these waivers and initiate a formal process to make higher speeds permanent, arguing there is no direct link between processing speeds and workplace injuries.
Industry groups, including the National Chicken Council and the National Pork Producers Council, support the move, saying it will provide more excellent stability and reduce regulatory barriers. However, worker unions and advocacy groups warn that increased speeds heighten the risk of repetitive stress injuries, particularly in an industry that relies heavily on immigrant labour.
A USDA-funded study found pork and poultry workers face a higher risk of musculoskeletal disorders than other manufacturing workers. While some pork plants saw increased worker risks at higher speeds, others did not show a significant difference. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicate that reported occupational illness cases in meat processing were six times higher than the average across all industries in 2022.
The Biden administration previously approved a trial allowing six pork plants to operate at higher speeds while collecting data on worker safety. The USDA has not yet confirmed a timeline for finalising the new regulations.