The number of inspectors reporting contamination and problems with the inspection system is extremely significant. The types of events reported by the meat inspectors should occur rarely, if ever. For instance, consumers would find it unacceptable for even one inspector to regularly see fecal contamination on meat. But, it is not surprising that contamination is occurring. At the same time, inspectors' authority to remove feces and other contamination has been curtailed.
Inspectors can no longer require plants to keep their facilities and equipment clean.
Under the implementation of the new system, the meat industry calls the shots. And, the industry has wanted less inspection for decades. Faster slaughter lines mean more profit. They increase the speed and rely on chemical washes, and in the future, irradiation to sterilize contamination. Along with their allies at the USDA, the industry is also pushing to allow things like cancer, tumors scabs, sores and pus to be allowed in meat products.