A controversial proposal that would increase the number of birds processed at chicken plants from 140 to 175 birds per minute, received support from a USDA spokesperson in a recent statement despite the agency's failure to meet targeted goals for reducing the outbreak of food borne illnesses.

A proposed rule that would give the poultry industry the authority to inspect its own birds at record speed for safety and health issues during slaughter is receiving major backlash from industry watchdog group, the Center for Food Safety.