Speed up the line!

On September 30, a federal judge upheld the USDA's New Swine Inspection System. The idea of the system is to have faster processing-line speeds and give employees a bigger role in the inspection process. 

• The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) said it’s an interesting investment in new technologies and a movement towards ensuring a safe supply of wholesome American pork.

• Last November, nine pork plants applied in the program to carry out tests by running faster production lines. 

Worker safety had been highlighted as a concern, but according to the NPPC, pork producers use science-based approaches to continuously improve and modernize their practices to ensure product quality and consistency, along with workforce health and safety.