Maximum Line Speeds Under the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS)

FSIS is proposing to allow NSIS establishments to operate at more efficient line speed rates if they are able to demonstrate to FSIS that they can produce safe, unadulterated, and wholesome product. Under the proposed rule, establishments would determine their own line speeds based on their ability to maintain process control for preventing fecal contamination and meeting microbial performance measures during the slaughter operation. FSIS intends to propose to republish 9 CFR 310.26(c) to eliminate the existing maximum line speed of 1,106 head per hour for participating NSIS establishments. FSIS also intends to request comment on whether it should set a maximum line speed for NSIS establishments of 1,450 head per hour, which was the fastest line speed allowed and evaluated under the related worker safety study.