A group of 44 plants participating in the New Poultry Inspection System have had their waivers to operate at 175 birds per minute extended from mid-Nov to January 15, 2025. This decision affects facilities operated by all the major integrators and will allow completion of studies on worker safety conducted by third-party experts.
Increased line speeds are opposed by a consortium of welfare activist organizations and the unions representing plant workers. The evidence presented in hearings relating to the alleged problems arising from increased line speed appeared flimsy hence the formal evaluation, despite the fact that accelerated line speeds have been a reality since July 2022.
Increased line speeds are justified based on advances in processing technology that limit manual procedures. Mechanization has contributed in large measure to the reduction in injury rates in poultry processing plants, eliminating ergonomic stress and physical injury.