Even with the shutdown of the U.S. government certain vital services will continue, such as regular poultry inspections. The news is important for Cullman County, which is a top producer of poultry products in the state and nation.
Congress recognizes food inspection as an essential service because of health and safety issues, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and other top officials are expected to remain on duty, but more importantly the fulltime inspectors who are in the poultry processing plants will continue their roles. Congress has recognized that there are some USDA services that cannot be interrupted – even for a day – without risking massive damage to the economy. A prime example is meat inspection. Slaughter and meatpacking operations across the country would be forced to shut down without the presence of inspectors from the Food Safety and Inspection Service, according to information released by the USDA.