USDA yesterday sent a proposed rule to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that proposes a new inspection system for young poultry slaughter establishments.
The proposed rule would apply to establishments that slaughter broilers, fryers, roasters, and Cornish game hens (as defined in 9 CFR 381.170) initially. Under this proposed rule, provisions that allow young chicken slaughter establishments to operate under the current Streamlined Inspection System (SIS) or the New Line Speed (NELS) Inspection System would be revoked. The proposed rule would establish new performance standards to reduce pathogens. According to the OMB website, “under the proposed new system, young chicken slaughter establishments would be required to sort chicken carcasses and to conduct other activities to ensure that carcasses are not adulterated before they enter the chilling tank.”
The National Chicken Council will continue to monitor the status of this proposed rule and will inform the membership of any status changes as soon as they occur. More details can be found on the OMB website by clicking here.
