The United States Department of Agriculture announced proposed changes in February to increase line speeds at meat processing plants, aiming to lower costs and stabilize food supplies. Critics including labor unions and environmental groups argue the moves endanger workers, public health, and the environment. The public comment period closed last week.
In February, the USDA proposed raising maximum line speeds in poultry slaughter from 140 birds per minute to 175 for chicken and from 55 to 60 for turkey. The agency also seeks to remove the cap on line speeds for swine slaughter entirely. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins stated these changes would “lower production costs and create greater stability in our food system” while helping “keep groceries more affordable.” The public comment period ended last week, with the agency now reviewing tens of thousands of submissions, including over 22,000 opposing the poultry rule and more than 20,000 against the pork rule, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union. The proposals align with Trump administration policies promoting higher meat consumption, such as a revised food pyramid emphasizing protein. However, opponents highlight risks. “This is doubling down on an already broken and polluting food system,” said Dani Replogle, staff attorney at Food & Water Watch. UFCW's Mark Lauritsen, who leads its food processing division, added, “The potential for injury to these workers, it’s just something people can’t deny. Quite honestly, line speeds are too fast now.” Workers face dangers from repetitive tasks with knives, exposure to elements, and conditions leading to injuries like carpal tunnel, lacerations, and amputations, with research showing higher injury rates at faster speeds. The USDA cites its own study claiming no increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders, though the study's authors dispute this characterization. A USDA spokesperson responded, “Decades of data prove that plants can run at higher speeds while maintaining process control and meeting every federal food safety standard,” noting inspectors can slow lines if needed. The agency emphasized its authority covers food safety, not worker management or piece rates. Environmental concerns include greater water use and waste from faster operations, potentially spurring more animals from confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), which pollute water, air, and contribute to emissions. The Center for Biological Diversity warned in comments that higher speeds would damage the environment, wildlife, animal welfare, worker safety, and public health. Economist David Ortega of Michigan State University questioned if savings would lower grocery prices, given slaughterhouses' incentives.
