A revisit of “burdensome regulations” on small meat processors is being called for by Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee, with the lawmakers urging USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to make several changes as the “high cost of complying with meat processing laws has made it hard for smaller processors to compete and has led to significant consolidation in the industry.”
Citing the reduced operating capacity at meat plants amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the lawmakers noted that it has left “ranchers and other livestock farmers with few alternatives for getting their meat processed.”
The letter urges USDA to consider giving small meat processors flexibility on complying with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans, streamlining the approval process for labels, encourage more states to participate in the Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) program and increase flexibility and lessen expenses on smaller processors for inspectors needed beyond normal hours.
Taking action in these and other areas will “lower barriers to entry and expansion that smaller meat processors face,” the letter said. Expectations are, however, that food safety advocates will fight any efforts by USDA to relax food safety protocols.
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