FSIS inspector shortage a congressional concern

Making sure that there is an ample supply of meat and poultry inspectors through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is a concern for members of the U.S. Congress, Rep. Chellie Pingree said.

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Rep. Chellie Pingree said having a sufficient amount of federal meat and poultry inspectors in a concern among members of the U.S. Congress. (Courtesy of Rep. Chellie Pingree)
Rep. Chellie Pingree said having a sufficient amount of federal meat and poultry inspectors in a concern among members of the U.S. Congress. (Courtesy of Rep. Chellie Pingree)

Making sure that there is an ample supply of meat and poultry inspectors through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is a concern for members of the U.S. Congress, Rep. Chellie Pingree said.

Pingree, who spoke during the 2021 National Farmers Union (NFU) Virtual Convention, discussed various issues involving both small and large processors. Pingree, D-Maine, offered her perspectives as both a member of the House Agriculture Committee and the agriculture subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee.

According to Pingree, the COVID-19 pandemic helped bring attention to the demand of federal meat and poultry inspectors.

“We’ve had a lot of people who work in the inspection system who have also had to struggle with the COVID this year, and we’ve lost some as well,” she said, adding there is an understanding of the importance of keeping the inspectors safe and well-protected.

At the same time, Pingree said attracting people to work in the inspection field is also important.

One way Congress is acting to make sure there is a sufficient amount of federal inspectors. There is a bill moving through the legislative process that offers additional funding to processors to be able to pay their overtime.

“That is yet another challenge is for a lot of facilities, they are reluctant to go into overtime even if they have the capable inspectors, just because it’s a huge financial burden on an already probably tight margin,” she said.

Line speed discussions expected in 2021

Pingree said in recent years, line speeds “have been a subject of much debate.”

“I think that will continue to be an argument that happens,” said Pingree. “There was some relaxation of those standards over the last four years, and I have a feeling that we’ll discuss that again this year.”

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