Publication of Final Rule: Visual Post-Mortem Inspection in Swine Slaughter Establishments

On May 21, 2026, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS or agency) published a final rule (Federal Register :: Visual Post-Mortem Inspection in Swine Slaughter Establishments) amending its regulations to end mandatory mandibular lymph node incision and viscera palpation of swine carcasses in all swine slaughter establishments, including those operating under both the traditional inspection system and the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS). FSIS determined that these procedures are not necessary to ensure food safety because condemnation rates in swine are low and conditions that would warrant condemnation can be identified through visual inspection of carcasses and associated tissues. NSIS establishments and FSIS inspectors in traditional establishments will no longer be required to perform these activities starting July 20, 2026, the effective date of the rule. FSIS inspectors retain the authority and discretion to conduct additional inspection procedures, including incision or palpation, when warranted. The agency states that it will issue instructions to guide inspectors when additional procedures, such as incision or palpation, are appropriate and necessary. The final rule also revises the post-mortem inspection staffing standards applicable to traditional swine slaughter establishments.