Trump administration makes faster meat processing permanent

The Trump administration has announced plans to permanently allow U.S. poultry and pork processing plants to operate at increased speeds. This decision has raised concerns from advocacy groups about the health of workers and food safety. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) stated that it will make higher processing speeds permanent for some facilities that have been operating under temporary waivers. For instance, chicken plants with waivers can process up to 175 birds per minute, a significant increase from the previous limit of 140 birds. While the USDA claims there is no direct link between processing speeds and workplace injuries, studies indicate that meatpacking workers face a higher risk of serious harm. Advocacy groups warn that faster processing could lead to more stress injuries and accidents, particularly for immigrants and undocumented workers who often fill these roles. In a move to support meat producers, the National Pork Producers Council welcomed the plan, saying it would provide more stability for pork production. However, worker unions have expressed strong opposition, emphasizing that increased line speeds will harm workers. Concerns about worker safety have been highlighted by data showing that the animal slaughtering and processing industry had significantly higher rates of occupational illnesses compared to the overall average across all industries in 2022.