USDA Rolls Out New Modernized Swine Slaughter Rules

(WASHINGTON, DC) USDA announced a final rule to modernize swine slaughter inspection for the first time in more than five decades this week. The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a final rule with new requirements for microbial testing that will apply to all swine processing facilities. One goal is to demonstrate the control for pathogens throughout the slaughter system and to establish a new inspection system for market hog establishments under the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS). In the final rule, amended regulations will require all swine slaughter establishments to develop written sanitary dressing plans and implement microbial sampling to monitor process control for pathogens that can cause foodborne illness. The final rule also allows market hog establishments to choose if they will operate under NSIS or continue to operate under traditional inspection. FSIS will continue to conduct 100 percent inspection of all animals prior to slaughter and 100 percent carcass-by-carcass inspection, as mandated by Congress. Inspectors will also retain the authority to stop or slow the line as necessary to ensure that food safety and inspection are achieved. Under the NSIS, FSIS offline inspectors will conduct more food safety and humane handling verification tasks to protect the food supply and animal welfare.