Proposed Rules Would Allow Meatpackers to Slaughter Hogs Faster

(Dow Jones) -- Proposed rules allowing meatpackers to slaughter hogs faster and play a bigger role in policing food safety are intended to free up government inspectors while making plants more efficient. But the rules, which could take effect this year, have drawn criticism.Consumer advocates question whether companies can guarantee the cleanliness of their pork while workers take on some tasks previously reserved for U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors. Meanwhile, worker-rights groups say speeding up slaughter lines would strain workers whose jobs are already difficult and dangerous.Meat companies and the USDA say the proposals would make better use of inspectors and plant capacity without compromising food safety. Some meatpackers also say more efficient plants could mean lower pork prices for consumers. Similar inspection changes were made in the poultry industry in 2014, and officials say they could come next to the beef-inspection process