The Trump administration said on Monday it plans to permanently allow US poultry and pork processing plants to operate more quickly, raising concerns among advocacy groups about worker health and food safety, reported Reuters.
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) decision is a victory for meat companies and industry associations such as the National Chicken Council, which have advocated for faster processing line speeds.
However, it adds to health concerns about slaughterhouse workers, who often perform repetitive tasks with sharp knives and toil in extreme heat or cold.
USDA will start a process to make permanent higher speeds that it allows at some facilities under waivers, according to a statement. Chicken plants with waivers can process up to 175 birds per minute, compared to a previous limit of 140 birds.
The agency also will extend waivers, allowing facilities to "meet demand without excessive government interference," the statement said.
USDA's announcement cited a lack of direct links between processing speeds and workplace injuries, but research shows that meatpacking workers face a greater risk of serious harm.
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