In the past, USDA inspectors were mandated to reject any poultry that showed signs of fecal contamination. This strict regulation aimed to ensure food safety and protect consumers from harmful pathogens. However, around thirty years ago, the poultry industry successfully influenced the USDA to change its classification of feces, allowing for a more lenient approach to poultry processing.

As a result of this change, fecal matter is now regarded as merely a cosmetic issue rather than a serious health hazard. This shift in perspective has permitted the continued use of automatic eviscerators in processing plants, raising concerns about food safety standards and the potential risks associated with contaminated poultry reaching consumers.