ARLINGTON, VA. — Drawing on the feedback from several different establishments and industry partners, the Meat Institute, in collaboration with the American Meat Science Association (AMSA), assembled a practical training guide to support effective implementation of the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) New Swine Inspection System (NSIS).

The resource looks to enhance in-plant training and provide consistent, science-based guidance for sorting decisions and other operational touch points. The guide includes real-world examples, clear explanations and condition-specific imagery to improve accuracy and confidence in decision-making.

“This resource addresses a need for visual and practical materials to ensure consistency in training plant personnel in NSIS establishments,” said Casey Gallimore, senior director of regulatory policy for the Meat Institute. “This guide was developed from years of industry learnings, making it a reliable resource for all companies no matter where they are in their NSIS implementation process.”

The final version of the guide is available on the Meat Institute’s website. AMSA will also promote access to the guide.

In March, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) would allow pork and poultry plants to maintain higher line speeds.

During 2023, the USDA extended six pork processing facilities to operate faster during a “time-limited trial” (TLT) period.