Getting Started with the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS)

Implementing NSIS? This guide walks you through what to expect, how to set up your facility, and how to train your team so you stay compliant and keep your line moving.

If your plant is considering the New Swine Inspection System (NSIS), this guide is your playbook. It explains—in plain terms—what FSIS expects and how you can smoothly transition to this inspection system. You’ll find practical tips on:

• Setting up pens and sortation stations so inspectors and plant staff work smoothly together.
• Training your team to spot problem animals before they hit the line, saving time and avoiding non-compliance.
• Understanding what inspectors look for at head, viscera, and carcass stations.
• Keeping the right records so you don’t get flagged during verification.
• Identifying common conditions like abscesses, arthritis, and foreign animal diseases, with photos to show the difference between “normal” and “not normal.”

Think of this as both a how-to manual and a training resource. It’s designed to help processors improve consistency, avoid costly stops, and protect both food safety and market credibility.