Quote:
Originally Posted by homoe
The United States Department of Agriculture touted last week what it calls the "modernization" of rules regulating how swine is processed and inspected, but critics say the changes could lead to more food contamination. It's the first time in more than 50 years that significant changes have been made to pork processing rules, but they've been in the works since 1997. That's when the USDA started a pilot program among select plants to see how changes to processing and inspection rules would play out.
The agency says the changes won't negatively impact food safety, but critics say the rules, which include the option of using fewer federal inspectors on the production line, could lead to contamination from pathogens like Salmonella and E. Coli, and ultimately, more food-borne illnesses.
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The Trump administration will allow pork plants to reduce the number of Department of Agriculture line inspectors assigned to them and run their slaughter lines without any speed limit under a new rule intended to modernize an antiquated inspection system. But the changes have alarmed consumer advocates who believe the rule will make food less safe and endanger workers.
The new rule will let factory workers, rather than USDA inspectors, remove unsuitable carcasses and trim defects in plants that opt into the new inspection system. USDA inspectors will still examine the carcasses, but they will be stationed farther down the line, and off-line inspectors will be roaming the factory to conduct other kinds of safety checks.“This regulatory change allows us to ensure food safety while eliminating outdated rules and allowing for companies to innovate,” Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said in a statement.
REALLY. are you kidding me! Can you say L E T T U C E! We need
MORE regulations and inspection when it comes to managing our food supply not
LESS! And as for the fool in the White House, I wonder if he'd feel the same about chicken? We all know his favorite meal is a bucket of KFC......