Under traditional swine inspection, what is the maximum number of FSIS food inspectors conducting line inspections?

• A. Three
• B. Five
• C. Four
• D. Seven

Answer: (D)

FSIS line inspection on a traditional pork line is designed to provide full coverage across the processing sequence while keeping production moving. The maximum number of inspectors who can be on the line at one time is seven. This limit ensures that each critical point along the line can be observed and decisions can be made in real time without creating crowding or delays that would disrupt throughput. In practice, the team is arranged so that the inspectors collectively monitor the flow, verify compliance, and catch issues as the carcasses move, which is feasible with seven staff members even in busy plants.

As processes evolved, the approach shifted toward HACCP-based inspection, which changed how many inspectors are on the line and how coverage is achieved. Fewer inspectors on the line under modern systems reflect a greater emphasis on process controls and verification rather than continuous presence at every station. If you only had three, four, or five inspectors, coverage would be incomplete for the various stages and checkpoints on the line, whereas seven provides the established balance between oversight and efficiency.