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NewsMother JonesMay 7, 2026United States

USDA Proposes Faster Production Speeds for Meatpacking Plants

The USDA has proposed new rules to increase maximum line speeds for poultry slaughter and remove speed caps entirely for swine processing. The agency argues these changes will lower production costs and stabilize the food supply, while labor unions and environmental groups warn of increased risks to worker safety, public health, and the environment.

agriculturelaborfood safetyenvironmentmeat processing
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Why It Matters

If finalized, these rules would allow meat processing plants to increase the number of animals slaughtered per minute, potentially impacting worker injury rates, environmental waste discharge, and the operational pace of employees in the food supply chain.

Key Facts

  • The USDA proposed increasing poultry slaughter line speeds from 140 to 175 birds per minute for chickens and from 55 to 60 birds per minute for turkeys.
  • The USDA proposed eliminating all maximum line speed caps for swine slaughter.
  • The public comment period for these proposed amendments closed in February.
  • The USDA claims the changes will lower production costs, create food system stability, and keep groceries affordable.
  • The United Food and Commercial Workers union estimates over 22,000 comments oppose the poultry rule and over 20,000 oppose the pork rule.
  • The USDA cites an internal study suggesting increased line speeds during evisceration are not associated with higher musculoskeletal disorder risks.
  • Authors of the USDA-funded study stated the agency mischaracterized their research findings.
  • The USDA maintains that federal inspectors retain the authority to slow down lines if safety problems are discovered.
  • The USDA states its legal authority is limited to food safety and process control, not regulating piece rates or internal company staffing.
  • Advocates argue that faster line speeds will increase water usage and waste discharge, including blood and fecal matter, into local ecosystems.

Who's Mentioned

organizationCenter for Biological Diversity“Environmental group that submitted comments regarding environmental and safety r”organizationUnited Food and Commercial Workers“Union representing food supply chain workers that opposes the proposed speed inc”organizationTyson Foods“Largest US meat corporation headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas.”personDavid Ortega“Agricultural economist at Michigan State University.”organizationUnited States Department of Agriculture“Proposed the new rules for meat processing line speeds.”personBrooke Rollins“Secretary of Agriculture who stated the proposals aim to lower production costs.”organizationFood & Water Watch“Environmental nonprofit that submitted public comments against the rules.”