Usda To Cut Back On Inspections

Wed., March 22, 2000

From Staff

Despite recent scares over contaminated hot dogs and other meat products, the government wants to cut back inspectors’ visits to processing plants, saving millions of dollars in overtime pay that is borne by the industry.

Inspections would be reduced at plants, including soup canneries, where the risk of contamination is lowest, Agriculture Department officials said Tuesday.

“By having our resources allocated based on risk the public is well served,” said Margaret Glavin, associate administrator of USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. Critics said the move could imperil public health.

Inspectors currently are required to visit each processing plant once a shift, including overtime runs. The department wants to switch to daily, random checks, starting in a year.

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Usda To Cut Back On Inspections

Jesse Tinsley

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