USDA Says No More Poking Dead Pigs During Inspections
Published Date: 8/19/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
FSIS wants to stop the mandatory cutting and feeling of certain pig parts during inspections at all swine slaughterhouses because these steps aren’t needed to keep pork safe. This change affects all swine slaughter establishments and lets inspectors focus on visual checks instead. It also gives FSIS more flexibility in assigning staff, helping them work smarter without extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
End Mandatory Cutting and Palpation
FSIS proposes to stop the required incision of mandibular lymph nodes and palpation of viscera for swine carcasses at all swine slaughter establishments. FSIS says these steps are not needed for food safety because condemnation rates are low and condemnable conditions can be detected visually, so inspectors would rely on visual checks instead.
Remove Sorter Tasks in NSIS Establishments
FSIS proposes to remove the regulatory requirement that establishment sorters "incise mandibular lymph nodes and palpate the viscera" as part of their sorting activities before FSIS post-mortem inspection in establishments operating under the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS). This change would relieve NSIS establishments and their sorters of that specific sorting task.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14216, Notice of Request To Renew an Approved Information Collection: Salmonella Initiative Program
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service wants to keep collecting info for the Salmonella Initiative Program, which helps track and reduce Salmonella in meat products. No changes are planned, but they need your comments by September 14, 2026. This renewal keeps the program running smoothly without extra costs or new rules for meat producers.
2026-10315, Notice of Request To Renew an Approved Information Collection: Accreditation of Laboratories, Transactions, and Exemptions
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service wants to keep collecting info from labs and meat, poultry, and egg businesses to make sure everything stays safe and official. No changes are coming, but they need your comments by July 21, 2026, before the current approval expires on October 31, 2026. This keeps the safety checks running smoothly without extra costs or hassles.
2026-10186, Visual Post-Mortem Inspection in Swine Slaughter Establishments
Starting July 20, 2026, swine slaughter plants won’t have to cut into pig lymph nodes or poke around their insides during inspections anymore. This change affects all swine slaughter establishments and lets inspectors focus on visual checks, saving time without risking food safety. It also gives the USDA more flexibility in assigning inspection staff, making the whole process smoother and possibly more cost-effective.
2026-08702, Availability of Revised Food Safety Guideline for Egg Products
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service just updated its guide for companies that make egg products like pasteurized or frozen eggs. This new version answers common questions and adds fresh science to help these businesses keep eggs safe and follow the rules. If you’re in the egg biz, check out the changes and send your thoughts by July 6, 2026—no extra costs, just clearer safety tips!
2026-08580, Removal of Standard of Identity for Canned “Tripe With Milk”
Starting June 3, 2026, canned “Tripe with Milk” won’t have a strict recipe to follow anymore. This change lets producers get creative while still making sure labels tell the truth. It’s good news for businesses who want more freedom without confusing customers or costing extra.
2026-08261, Retail Exemptions Adjusted Dollar Limitations
Starting May 28, 2026, retail stores selling meat and poultry to hotels, restaurants, and similar places have new dollar limits to keep their federal inspection exemptions. These limits adjust based on price changes from last year, making sure stores don’t sell too much outside normal retail amounts. If they go over, they lose their exemption and must follow stricter inspection rules.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-15748, Air Plan Approval; Tennessee; Second Planning Period Regional Haze Plan
The EPA is ready to approve Tennessee’s updated plan to clear up the air and protect scenic views in special federal areas. This plan, made by Tennessee’s environmental team, shows how they’ll keep fighting pollution and improve visibility over the next few years. People living near these areas and businesses will see cleaner air without big costs or delays.
Next: 2025-15750, Returns Relating to Sales or Exchanges of Certain Partnership Interests
If you’re part of a partnership that owns inventory or has unpaid bills, new rules are coming about how you report sales or trades of your partnership shares. These changes make sure everyone shares the right info with the IRS, helping keep things clear and fair. Partnerships should get ready to follow these updated reporting steps soon to avoid any money headaches.