No one wants the meat on their dinner table to have come from an animal that suffered unnecessarily or from a system that puts workers in harm’s way. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what will happen if the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) moves forward with its proposal to increase slaughter line speeds in poultry and pork production.
When processing lines move too fast, workers only have seconds to properly stun and handle animals. At higher speeds, mistakes become inevitable, which will mean more animals experiencing more pain.
Higher line speeds aren’t just harmful to animals. Meatpacking employees perform exhausting, repetitive work with dangerous tools. A study found that 81% of employees in chicken plants had increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Faster lines mean more pressure, more injuries and more people getting hurt while trying to keep up with the conveyor belt.
When plants rush to process more animals, there’s less time to spot contamination or remove sick animals before meat reaches stores.
Americans expect their food to be produced responsibly. The USDA should protect animals, workers and consumers by dropping its proposal to increase line speeds in poultry and pork plants and focus on improving oversight.
Micah Wintner
Munhall