Patriot Meat Processing: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 Q2 (USDA)

313.1

On February 20, 2025, at approximately 0815 hours, while performing a livestock humane handling tasks, I, CSI, REDACTED observed two damaged sections of wood (approximately 1.5ft. by 10” ) on the bottom board between pens two and three, and one damaged section of wood (approximately 2ft. by 1ft.) on the bottom board between pens one and two providing areas that may cause injury to animals. Plant Manager, REDACTED was notified of the noncompliance.

313.2

On 01/21/25, while conducting a Humane Handling task on HATS categories I and III, I, CSI REDACTED, observed the following non-compliance at approximately 0820 hours. In the livestock holding area, all pens that contained livestock did not have accessible water provided to them. Pen #1 contained five hogs, there was ice in the water tub that was completely frozen making water not accessible. Pen #2 contained two hogs, there was ice in the water tub that was completely frozen making water not accessible. Pen #3 contained two hogs, there was no accessible water provided for the animals occupying the pen. Pen #4 contained one bovine, there was no accessible water because a thick layer of ice hindered the access to the water under the ice. Pen #5 contained 3 bovine, there was no accessible water because a thick layer of ice hindered the access to the water under the ice. Pen #6 contained one bovine, there was no accessible water because a thick layer of ice hindered the access to the water under the ice. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.2. REDACTED, Plant Manager, was notified of the non-compliance. Mr. REDACTED instructed an establishment employee to bring the livestock holding area back into compliance, which was deemed acceptable by IPP as accessible water was provide to all livestock. This non-compliance will be associated with NR# WVU0511013509N-1, issued 01/09/25.

313.16(a)(1),313.2

On January 9, 2025, at approximately 0810 hours while verifying HATS categories I and III, I, CSI, REDACTED and Food Inspector, REDACTED observed the following noncompliance: There were ten hogs in pen 2 that had no available water. The water container was empty. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.2. At approximately 1005 hours, Food Inspector, REDACTED was performing a Humane Handling task While verifying HATS Category VIII, he observed the following noncompliance and reported to me, IIC, CSI, REDACTED. Upon attempting to stun the third hog of the day, an establishment employee failed to render the animal unconscious with a shot from the 22-caliber rifle. Immediately after the shot, the hog was trying to upright itself and its pupils were tracking. The employee immediately attained the loaded secondary gun, 410 gauge, located in the designated area and delivered a successful shot rendering the animal unconscious. Upon inspection of the head, one bullet hole was placed in a proper location and one bullet hole was placed through the right cheek of the hog. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.16(a). At approximately 1020, while I, IIC, CSI, REDACTED and Food Inspector, REDACTED was verifying HATS Category VIII and IX, the following noncompliance was observed: While attempting to stun the fourth hog of the day, an establishment employee failed to render the animal unconscious with a shot from the 22-caliber rifle. Immediately after the shot the hog was trying to upright itself and its pupils were tracking. The employee grabbed the loaded secondary gun, 410 gauge, located in the designated area and delivered a successful shot rendering the animal unconscious. Upon inspection of the head, one bullet hole was placed in a proper location and one bullet hole was placed above the right eye of the hog. Since this was the second occurrence of the day, occurring back-to-back, immediate regulatory action was taken, and slaughter operations were halted. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.16(a)(1). Plant Manager, REDACTED and Slaughter Supervisor, REDACTED were notified of the noncompliance.