WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) introduced the Meat and Poultry Processing Efficiency Act, which would provide a permanent framework to ensure pork and poultry processing facilities are able to maintain full operational capacity.

The Meat and Poultry Processing Efficiency Act:

• Follows the science of a time-tested pilot program with a proven record of worker safety, ensuring that processors are able to operate at full capacity beyond arbitrary government deadlines;
  
  
• Requires USDA to publish food safety criteria for operating at increased line speeds, ensuring that processors who meet the criteria can continue operating without fear of an arbitrary slowdown;
  
  
• Brings U.S. meat and poultry processing closer to global competitiveness;
  
  
• Protects farmers’ livelihoods by reducing the potential for arbitrary reductions in processing capacity, which can result in lost contracts, increased time between plant deliveries, or a reduction in animal units.

“For over two decades, pork and poultry processing plants have consistently demonstrated that increased line speeds are not only safe and effective, but lead to higher processing capacity and decreased costs for consumers,” said Rep. Finstad. “Farm and food security is national security, and I am proud to introduce legislation which will ensure our producers, processors, and consumers have certainty in the American food supply chain.” 

“The nation’s producers, processors, and consumers deserve certainty, and this Administration’s actions on pork and poultry processing line speeds have provided anything but. I commend Rep. Finstad for spearheading this legislation—steeped in science, technology, and innovation—that would provide a permanent solution to protect and enhance our nation’s food supply.” – Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture

The Meat and Poultry Processing Efficiency Act is endorsed by the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), National Chicken Council (NCC), and the Minnesota Pork Producers Association.

"Having sufficient harvest capacity is critical to allow America's pig farmers to continue to provide wholesome pork products to consumers. We appreciate Congressman Finstad's support to ensure our processing facilities can operate at peak efficiency." – Bryan Humphreys, CEO of the National Pork Producers Council

“The modernized poultry inspection system that includes increased line speeds has been studied, debated, and reviewed in depth for 25 years to assure its effectiveness in improving food safety and protecting workers. By eliminating the current piecemeal approach to granting waivers, this bill could help ease costs for consumers at a time of high food inflation, and will provide more certainty for our members’ businesses, help maintain the livelihood of our farmers, and help the U.S. chicken industry be more competitive on a global scale.” – Mike Brown, President of the National Chicken Council

“The ability for our packers and processors to continue harvesting healthy, safe pork products while ensuring certainty for the consumer and farmers alike is paramount. Thank you to Rep. Finstad for working on behalf of pork processors and pig farmers.” – Daryl Timmerman, President of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association

Background:

On February 28, 2023, Congressman Finstad led a bipartisan, bicameral group of 11 Members of Congress in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack, urging USDA to immediately issue an extension of the Time-Limited Trial for six pork processing plants in the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS).

Following the letter, the USDA announced on March 3 that they would extend the Time-Limited Trial at NSIS plants for an additional seven months, allowing participating plants to operate at increased line speeds until November 30, 2023.