FSIS proposed to remove requirements for the incision of mandibular lymph nodes (lymph nodes) and the palpation of viscera in swine slaughter establishments. Specifically, FSIS proposed to amend its regulations at 9 CFR 310.26(b) to remove requirements for lymph nodes incision and viscera palpation in swine slaughter establishments operating under the New Swine Slaughter Inspection System (NSIS). FSIS also proposed to amend the post-mortem inspection staffing standards in 9 CFR 310.1 to state that the listed number of inspectors per station (i.e., the head, viscera, and carcass stations) is the maximum number of inspectors required by the staffing standards.

Inspection data support that mandatory lymph nodes incision and viscera palpation during post-mortem swine slaughter inspection is not needed for food safety because condemnation rates for defects found at head and viscera inspection are low, condemnable defects can be detected visually, and condemnable defects can be detected visually, and research demonstrates that lymph nodes incision and viscera palpation are risk factors for cross-contamination.