WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 17, 2026 — The National Pork Producers Council applauds the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposed rule to update the New Swine Inspection System’s line speed regulations to increase efficiency at pork processing plants.
The proposal aims to remove maximum line speed limits for establishments operating under NSIS. Participating establishments will be allowed to set their own line speeds based on their demonstrated ability to maintain process controls and food safety, rather than adhering to a strict maximum speed limit.
“Thank you, Secretary Rollins and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, for taking steps to unleash the potential to process pork more efficiently while also protecting food and worker safety,” said NPPC President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio.
“Greater efficiency of increased line speeds provides financial security and more stability for pork producers. Without the NSIS program, some pork producers could have incurred an additional loss of nearly $10 a head.”
Since 2019, NPPC has advocated for increased line speeds.
- In November 2021, FSIS permitted increased line speeds at six pork packing plants while simultaneously gathering data to evaluate potential worker impacts.
- In November 2023, FSIS extended the trials for an additional 90 days.
- In February 2024, FSIS again extended the trials through Jan. 15, 2025. In April 2024, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Sandra Eskin discussed the pilot program with producers at NPPC’s legislative action conference.
- In June 2024, U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) introduced his Farm Bill framework, making permanent the program, among several NPPC priorities.
- In January 2025, FSIS released the results of a months-long study at six plants, concluding that “line speeds were not determined to be the leading factor in worker musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk at these plants.”
- In March 2025, USDA announced plans to make permanent the NSIS increased line speed program.
NPPC will continue to work with FSIS to ensure greater efficiency and food safety within pork processing plants.
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