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USDA Releases Studies on Poultry and Swine Line Speeds
Key findings and reactions



USDA recently released studies examining the impact of increased line speeds on worker safety in poultry (link) and pork processing plants (link). Here are the key highlights and reactions:

Study Findings

Industry reaction

Concerns and criticisms

House and Senate Ag panel leaders react. Specifically:
·      House Ag Chairman GT Thompson (R-Pa.) and Senate Ag Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) issued a joint statement on the study results. They expressed satisfaction with the study outcomes, stating it was "reassuring to see independent studies proving that higher line speeds are not a leading factor in risks to worker safety in pork and poultry processing plants." They emphasized that U.S. meat and poultry companies maintain high standards for both worker safety and food safety. However, they criticized the Biden/Harris administration for allegedly overstepping the original scope of the studies, claiming it was an attempt to "villainize the industry." They indicated their readiness to collaborate with the incoming Trump administration to create long-term strategies ensuring meat and poultry companies can operate safely while maintaining production efficiency.

Regulatory implications

Next steps

Bottom line: The studies and their implications remain a contentious issue, with ongoing debate between industry interests, worker safety advocates, and regulators over the appropriate balance between productivity and worker protection.