Post-mortem inspection changes proposed for swine slaughter operations

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a rule to change post-mortem (after death) inspection requirements for swine slaughter establishments “to remove mandatory mandibular lymph node incision and viscera palpation requirements in both traditional and New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) establishments.”

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The swine rule prompted Thomas Gremillion,  Director of Food Policy at the Consumer Federation of America, to ask: “What do you think of FSIS’s plan to abandon lymph node palpation? I get the argument that it’s just an antiquated remnant of poke and sniff, but on the other hand, if they’re not replacing it with any modernized inspection process, will consumers get exposed to more FB illness risk?”

In putting the rule out for comment, FSIS stated that it would modernize swine inspection, aiming to improve inspection efficiency and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden.  USDA’s public health unit also said, “These steps are not needed to ensure food safety and may increase cross-contamination risk.”

Dr. Emilio Esteban, the Biden Administration’s Under Secretary for Food Safety, now with Mérieux NutriSciences as Chief Scientific Officer for its North America division and head of its Global Analytical Hub, responded.

Dr. Esteban wrote: .Finally! I’m very glad FSIS is moving in the right direction. This was an obsolete requirement based on outdated animal disease prevalence. This will not compromise food safety and will allow both industry and FSIS to have more flexibility with their resources. Hope to see the same action taken with beef carcass inspection.”

The FSIS claims that the change will improve inspection efficiency and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens. FSIS inspectors will retain authority to perform incision or palpation when warranted.

FSIS is seeking public comment on the proposed rule. Stakeholders, including industry representatives and the general public, are encouraged to submit their feedback. Comments on this proposal must be received within 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

Comments may be submitted online via the federal eRulemaking portal, available here or, by mail sent to Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Mailstop 3758, Washington, D.C. 20250-3700, or by hand or courier delivery to 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Jamie L. Whitten Building, Room 350-E, Washington, D.C. 20250-3700. All items submitted by mail or electronic mail must include the agency name and docket number FSIS-2023-0028.

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