Meat Deal

Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman was able to wrest a compromise from Congressional Republicans last week that could save long-awaited reforms in the nation’s meat and poultry inspection program.

The agreement, on the eve of a crucial vote in the full House, permits USDA to proceed with plans to introduce a science-based system to replace the current inspection program. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service--responsible for monitoring slaughter and processing operations throughout the country--relies on methods devised in the early 1900s to detect potential contamination on animal carcasses.

In February, USDA proposed a sweeping regulation that would incorporate laboratory testing and other technological innovations to the $500 million annual meat inspection program.

An amendment by Rep. James Walsh (R-N.Y.), effectively killing the reforms, was withdrawn from consideration by the full House last week as part of the compromise.

Glickman assured Walsh--and his numerous supporters in the meat and poultry industries--that USDA would conduct additional hearings on the proposal before issuing a final regulation. Elements of the current inspection program that would be duplicated by the reforms are also subject to repeal, according to Glickman.

The attempt to curtail meat inspection reforms was roundly criticized by consumer advocacy groups.