The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) has proposed a rule to amend post-mortem inspection requirements in swine slaughter establishments. The proposed rule would remove mandatory mandibular lymph node incision and viscera palpation requirements in both traditional and New Swine Inspection System (NSIS) establishments.

FSIS says these steps are being removed because they not needed to ensure food safety and may increase cross-contamination risk. The change is intended to improve inspection efficiency and reduce unnecessary regulatory burden.

FSIS inspectors will retain authority to perform incision or palpation when warranted.

The agency is seeking public comment on the proposed rule, which has been published in the Federal Register. View the proposed rule and instructions for leaving a comment here.