Some pork processing line speeds will continue to run faster, at least for now. The USDA extended the trial time for a study testing ergonomics, automation, and different crew arrangements to create safer work environments.
In March of 2021, a U.S. District Court in Minnesota vacated USDA’s final rule eliminating line speed limits for New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS) establishments. USDA then worked with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA to develop a limited-time trial at six processing plants.