H.R. 4757: Pigs and Public Health Act

The Pigs and Public Health Act aims to reform the handling and treatment of nonambulatory pigs in the United States food system. Here is a breakdown of the key components of the bill:

1. Purpose and Findings

The act's purpose is to enhance public health and animal welfare by preventing the use of nonambulatory pigs in the food supply. It identifies several findings, including:

• Humane euthanization of sick pigs reduces suffering, improves working conditions for handlers, and minimizes public health risks.
• Many nonambulatory pigs can carry diseases harmful to humans, contributing to widespread infections and hospitalizations.
• Current practices in handling pigs can lead to needless cruelty and unsafe conditions.
• Existing federal regulations on nonambulatory cattle do not extend to pigs.

2. Definitions

Key definitions in the bill include:

• Covered entity: This includes stockyards, market agencies, packers, dealers, and slaughter facilities.
• Covered individual: Any employee or contractor working for a covered entity.
• Nonambulatory pig: A pig that cannot stand or walk without assistance.

3. Humane Handling Reforms

The bill proposes the following changes to existing regulations:

• Drug Use: The use of certain drugs that can cause nonambulatory conditions, like beta-adrenergic agonists, will be prohibited unless necessary for treating disease.
• Transportation of Pigs: Enhanced requirements for transporting pigs, ensuring comfort and safety, and imposing record-keeping on transporters.
• Slaughter Practices: Nonambulatory pigs must be humanely euthanized and cannot be bought, sold, or processed into food products. Specific regulations around humane treatment and euthanasia methods will be enforced.
• Injury and Disease Handling: Requirements for immediate care and humane euthanasia for injured or diseased pigs.

4. Occupational Safety and Health Standards

The bill directs the Secretary of Labor to create standards for the safe handling of nonambulatory pigs, including training for employees and the use of mechanical lifting aids.

5. Public Health Transparency

The bill establishes an online portal for confidential complaints regarding violations of the act, ensuring whistleblower protections for individuals reporting these violations. The Secretary of Agriculture is tasked with maintaining confidentiality for complainants.

6. Study and Reporting on Public Health Threats

The bill requires a study to assess the public health threats posed by nonambulatory pigs, with an accompanying report due within a year of enactment. This report will focus on various pathogens associated with nonambulatory pigs, including swine influenza and Salmonella.

Relevant Companies

• TSN: Tyson Foods, a major meat supplier, could be affected by regulations on the treatment and processing of pigs, affecting their supply chain and operating procedures.
• PFG: Performance Food Group, which distributes food products may need to adjust their sourcing and compliance practices in light of new regulations regarding nonambulatory pigs.
• SFM: Sprouts Farmers Market may encounter impacts related to sourcing pork products and ensuring compliance with newly established humane treatment laws.