The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service will continue to allow operation of line speeds of up to 175 birds per minute under a waiver due to expire at the end of March 2024. Increased line speeds are possible due to advances in the design and operation of killing, defeathering and evisceration equipment that incorporates a high degree of automation. Close to 50 plants now operate at up to 175 birds per minute without welfare issues relating to either flocks or workers.
Notwithstanding the reality, animal rights organizations including the HSUS, Animal Outlook, Mercy for Animals and kindred organizations are pursuing litigation to deprive the USDA of the right to grant waivers and to restrict line speeds in future rule-making. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, has assured the Senate Agriculture Committee that decisions on increased line speeds would be based on scientific evaluation.
Petitioners opposing increased line speeds are less interested in the welfare of flocks than they are in their efforts to impose restraints and increase production costs for all animal protein. Legal action opposing the decisions of the USDA that contribute to efficiency and hence, profitability is an anathema to those opposed to intensive livestock production and ultimately, consumption of meat. Any restriction whether based on welfare or environmental issues that places a burden on livestock production is regarded by these groups as a victory.