WASHINGTON – On Dec. 8, the US Department of Agriculture sent a proposed rule for a new inspection system for young poultry slaughter establishments to the US Office of Management and Budget. Establishments that slaughter broilers, fryers, roasters and Cornish game hens (as defined in 9 CFR 381.170) initially are the targets of the proposed rule.

Provisions that allow young chicken slaughter establishments to operate under the current Streamlined Inspection System (SIS) or the New Line Speed (NELS) Inspection System would be revoked under this proposed rule, which would establish new performance standards to reduce pathogens.

“Under the proposed new system, young chicken slaughter establishments would be required to sort chicken carcasses and to conduct other activities to ensure that carcasses are not adulterated before they enter the chilling tank,” the OMB website states.