Trump’s plan for ultra-fast meat processing would be a disaster for workers and the environment
The USDA has proposed increasing line speeds in poultry and swine slaughterhouses, with potential increases to 175 chickens per minute and no cap on pig processing speeds, citing cost savings and food system stability. Critics including worker unions and environmental groups argue the changes would increase worker injuries, harm public health, and exacerbate environmental damage. The public comment period has ended, and the USDA is now reviewing thousands of comments, many of which oppose the proposed rules.
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In February, the United States Department of Agriculture announced two proposed changes to federal rules governing the rate of production in meat processing plants — a move advocates say would endanger workers, public health, and the environment. One proposed amendment would raise the maximum line speeds in poultry slaughter from 140 birds per minute to 175 for chicken and from 55 birds per minute to 60 for turkey. For swine slaughter, the agency is proposing there be no cap on line speed at all. Last week, the public comment period for the proposed amendments came to a close.
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