USDA, meatpacking plants, line speeds, poultry production, pork production, food safety, animal welfare, processing facilities

## Introduction

On February 18, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a controversial proposal to increase line speeds at meatpacking plants, specifically in poultry and pork production facilities. These proposed rules aim to accelerate production rates, allowing for a significant increase in maximum chicken slaughter line speeds from 140 birds per ...