In traditional swine inspection, how many FSIS inspectors conduct off-line inspection tasks and what is the maximum number of FSIS food inspectors conducting line inspections?

• A. Three off-line inspectors and five line inspectors
• B. One off-line inspector and seven line inspectors
• C. Two off-line inspectors and six line inspectors
• D. One off-line inspector and four line inspectors

Answer: (B)

In traditional swine inspection, duties are split between someone who works off the slaughter line and several inspectors who monitor the line itself. The off-line inspector handles tasks away from the moving line—things like reviewing processing controls, records, and other documentation to ensure compliance. The line inspectors stand along the slaughter line and perform continuous, on-line inspection of the carcasses and products as they move, making real-time determinations about quality and safety.

This balance is set so there is enough line coverage to observe every carcass as it passes, while still having a dedicated off-line person to handle non-line tasks. The standard pattern is one off-line inspector and seven line inspectors, which provides steady line oversight without sacrificing off-line checks. The other staffing patterns would either under-cover the line or over-emphasize off-line duties, reducing effective on-line inspection. Therefore, the configuration of one off-line inspector and seven line inspectors is the best fit.