I really love all the work I do nationally, but some of my favorite work was when I was able to travel the world’s poultry processing plants. One thing that always stood out to me regarding the international poultry industry was how quickly they were able to process birds. It was much faster than what we do here in the U.S. ... and yes, I am referring to line speeds. This hot topic of line speeds has generated so much controversy of the last few years here in the U.S. I wanted to address some points just for clarification and leave everyone with some food for thought.

Increased line speeds refer to evisceration lines which are already very automated and not the entire plant process. Prior to line speed waivers, the U.S. had the slowest line speeds across the globe for automated companies. Our line speeds were 140 birds per minute (excluding the 20 HIMP plants which could run 175 BPM). Most of the rest of the world operates at lines speeds greater than 200 (200-250) BPM. Interestingly, they operate at these speeds safely and efficiently. The really interesting fact is that the same equipment manufacturers that supply poultry equipment to these countries which operate with faster line speeds are the same companies which supply equipment to the U.S. So, our equipment is designed to and can safely go faster than current speeds of 140 BPM.

During the Clinton administration, 20 processing plants were selected to participate in an increased line speed pilot program and more recently more plants were allowed to increase speeds per a USDA waiver application process. According to data collected from 1994-2018, OSHA injury and illness incidence rates in poultry processing decreased significantly.

The poultry industry cares about its employees and they have multiple safety features in place to operate poultry processing equipment safely. After all, who wants OSHA to show up at the front door for an audit? Who wants to be responsible for an accident involving an employee? "No one" is the correct answer.

What about food safety? Another misconception is that USDA is no longer inspecting carcasses but allowing plant personnel to conduct this task. Per the Poultry Product Inspection Act of 1957, USDA FSIS is required to inspect all domesticated birds when slaughtered for human consumption. Therefore, inspection of each bird by USDA FSIS has not changed. With increased line speeds, processors have added trained personnel on the line to facilitate the process and so that FSIS inspectors can be more focused on their responsibilities of ensuring wholesomeness. Extra trained plant personnel in addition to FSIS staff mean that broiler carcasses are viewed more times and it negates the idea that increased line speed decreases food safety of the carcasses.

Also, as a final note, processors don’t just increase line speeds just because. There is a process to apply and receive a line speed waiver. These waivers are data-driven and science-based. For example, processors must continuously ensure their process is in control, their food is safe, their workers are safe, and they have enough staff to ensure these factors are being met. If at any time the plant or USDA believe that there is a problem, both the plant and USDA can slow the line speeds down. Line speeds are ultimately controlled by USDA and they have the authority to reduce speeds if a process is not under control.

There have been many misinterpretations and misconceptions about line speed in the news lately. It is important to intentionally research the actual facts and data and then make an informed decision based on research. It is not a bad idea to occasionally question policy, but it is important to research the data for answers.

Here is my final message to consumers and those critical of line speeds: The rest of the world is producing safe and affordable chicken while keeping workers safe using the same equipment we have here in the U.S. Trust the process.

Lagging behind the rest of the world

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