Physiology, Endocrinology, and Reproduction: Physiology I

mechanization and automation technologies. By the early 1980s, consumers preferred cut-up and further-processed chickens to the traditional whole bird. Chicken surpassed pork consumption in 1985. Chicken consumption surpassed beef consumption in the United States in 1992. In 1998, USDA required the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) process control system program in all large poultry slaughter establishments. The HACCP regulation totally changed the way chicken was inspected. No longer did the inspectors tell the plant how they need to accomplish something, now the plants must decide the best way to produce a safe product and be able to prove scientifically that their process is valid. The role of the Extension specialist has had to change and will need to continue to change to meet the changing needs of the industry.