Bill > HR5038

This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a new process for meat and poultry processing establishments to request and potentially operate at "alternate inspection rates" (inspection rates higher than currently permitted under existing regulations). The Secretary must publish food safety criteria within 90 days of the bill's enactment and begin reviewing establishment requests to operate at these alternate rates. Establishments must submit requests, which the Secretary must respond to within 90 days by either approving or denying the request with a detailed explanation; if no response is provided within 90 days, the request is automatically approved. Establishments currently operating at alternate rates can continue doing so, provided they maintain effective process control. If an establishment fails to meet food safety criteria, they will receive a written notice of noncompliance and have 180 days to remedy the issues. The Secretary may then either provide an additional opportunity to address problems or revoke the establishment's authorization to operate at alternate rates. When revoking authorization, the Secretary must create a timeline for returning to standard inspection rates while consulting with the establishment to minimize negative impacts on animal production, contractual obligations, and animal welfare. The bill emphasizes that this process does not create liability for the Department of Agriculture regarding worker safety or environmental effects.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5038/all-info