USDA Proposes Updates to Federal Poultry and Pork Processing Regulations
Washington, D.C., February 17, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced new proposed updates to the line speed regulations for poultry and pork establishments that operate under modern inspection systems. These updates aim to reflect years of accumulated data and experience, ultimately designed to reduce costs for American families, eliminate outdated regulatory barriers for processors, and support a more resilient and efficient food supply chain.
Commitment to Affordability and Safety
“As Secretary, my responsibility is to ensure that American families have access to affordable, safe, and abundant food,” said Secretary Rollins. “These updates remove outdated bottlenecks so that we can lower production costs and create greater stability in our food system. By aligning our regulations with proven real-world capabilities, we are supporting a stronger supply chain, providing producers and processors with the certainty they need, and helping to keep groceries more affordable for every household.”
Proposed Regulatory Changes
The USDA’s proposals focus on updating obsolete processing requirements for poultry and pork establishments utilizing modern inspection systems. These changes would allow eligible establishments to operate at speeds commensurate with their processes, equipment, and food safety performance, while ensuring that the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) maintains comprehensive oversight. Importantly, inspectors retain the authority to slow or halt operations whenever necessary to perform effective inspections.
Clarifying Regulations and Reducing Redundancies
These updates aim to replace the past patchwork of waivers, pilots, and temporary measures that have complicated operations for establishments. By establishing long-term, predictable rules, USDA seeks to provide clarity and consistency within the industry. Additionally, the proposed regulations will eliminate worker safety attestations that fall outside USDA’s legal authority, streamlining processes and minimizing unnecessary paperwork for businesses.
A Broader Commitment
This announcement reflects the Trump Administration’s broader commitment to strengthening the American food system by reducing red tape, supporting domestic production capacity, and ensuring consumers benefit from efficient and reliable supply chains. The proposals are backed by decades of data and are intended to uphold the principle that affordability can coexist with stringent food safety protections.
Public Participation Invited
The USDA encourages public participation in the regulatory process. Comments on the proposed rules will be accepted for a period of 60 days following their publication in the Federal Register. Interested individuals can find more information at www.regulations.gov.
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