Meat Processors Caught Between EPA and USDA Regulations: What’s Next?

In January 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) that could significantly impact meat and poultry processing (MPP) facilities.

These new regulations would require facilities to install costly water filtration systems to reduce pollutants, including nitrogen and phosphorus, from wastewater.

The EPA highlighted that MPPs are among the largest contributors to nutrient pollution in the U.S., with the proposed regulations expected to reduce 100 million pounds of pollutants annually.

However, these requirements could force some plants to shut down due to high compliance costs.

At the same time, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is promoting the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) to increase processing capacity.

Critics argue that these conflicting agendas could counteract each other, with some processing facilities potentially closing due to the EPA’s new rules.

The outcome remains uncertain as industry leaders await the final decision, while concerns grow over balancing environmental regulations with food affordability and processing capacity.

Curious about how environmental guidelines could reshape the meat industry? Explore the latest on compliance and sustainability on our homepage.