Tyson Foods employees will replace USDA inspectors at Kansas beef plant

Tyson Foods announced on Tuesday that starting in January some of their workers will replace federal inspectors at a beef plant. In March 2019, Tyson Foods had asked USDA for a waiver from inspection requirements for its plant in Holcomb, Kansas. USDA granted the waiver this past March; however, the pandemic stalled its efforts, Reuters reports. This waiver allows Tyson workers instead of government inspectors to check cattle carcasses for defects or disease. The total number of USDA inspectors will drop, although the agency claims there will be more highly trained personnel to monitor animal welfare and meat testing. Activists argue these changes are a move toward deregulation and less oversight.