USDA Proposes Permanent Increase in Pork Processing Line Speeds

National Pork Producers Council applauds move to boost efficiency and stability for pork producers

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed a rule to permanently remove maximum line speed limits for pork processing plants operating under the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS). The proposal aims to allow participating establishments to set their own line speeds based on their ability to maintain process controls and food safety, rather than adhering to a strict speed limit.

Why it matters

This change is expected to boost pork processing capacity and efficiency, providing financial security and stability for pork producers. The National Pork Producers Council has long advocated for increased line speeds, arguing that without the NSIS program, some pork producers could have incurred additional losses of nearly $10 per head.

The details

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has been gradually implementing and evaluating the NSIS increased line speed program since 2019. After a series of trials and studies, FSIS has now proposed to make the program permanent, concluding that line speeds were not the leading factor in worker musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk at the plants involved.

  • In November 2021, FSIS permitted increased line speeds at six pork packing plants while simultaneously gathering data to evaluate potential worker impacts.
  • In November 2023, FSIS extended the trials for an additional 90 days.
  • In February 2024, FSIS again extended the trials through Jan. 15, 2025.
  • In January 2025, FSIS released the results of a months-long study at six plants, concluding that 'line speeds were not determined to be the leading factor in worker musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk at these plants.'
  • In March 2025, USDA announced plans to make permanent the NSIS increased line speed program.

The players

National Pork Producers Council

A trade association representing pork producers in the United States.

Duane Stateler

The president of the National Pork Producers Council and a pork producer from McComb, Ohio.

Sandra Eskin

The USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety.

John Boozman

The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Ranking Member from Arkansas.

Tom Rollins

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you, Secretary Rollins and the Food Safety and Inspection Service, for taking steps to unleash the potential to process pork more efficiently while also protecting food and worker safety.”

— Duane Stateler, President, National Pork Producers Council

“Greater efficiency of increased line speeds provides financial security and more stability for pork producers. Without the NSIS program, some pork producers could have incurred an additional loss of nearly $10 a head.”

— Duane Stateler, President, National Pork Producers Council

What’s next

NPPC will continue to work with FSIS to ensure greater efficiency and food safety within pork processing plants.

The takeaway

This proposal to permanently increase pork processing line speeds is expected to boost efficiency and stability for the pork industry, providing financial security for producers. However, it will be important to closely monitor worker safety and food safety impacts as the program is implemented.