Baksh Food LLC,: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2021 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

At approximately 1030 hours, IPP observed a non-compliance while performing HATS Category VIII, Stunning Effectiveness. The second animal (Holstein steer) of the day was brought into the stunning area where its head was restrained in the head restrainer. IPP observed establishment personnel place the held-held captive bolt (HHCB) device onto the head of the animal and heard the HHCB being fired. The animal remained conscious and was standing upright and ambulated backward out of the head restrainer. Establishment personnel then made a second attempt to render the animal unconscious with the back-up HHCB device. The animal showed the same signs of being conscious – the animal remained upright, its eyes were tracking movement and it ambulated. Establishment personnel had the HHCB used for the first attempt ready for the third attempt. The third attempt was unsuccessful in rendering the animal unconscious. Establishment personnel tried to render the animal unconscious with a fourth and fifth stun attempt, both were ineffective. The animal remained standing, and its eyes were tracking movement. Establishment personnel made the determination that the HHCB was not adequate and then utilized a pistol to successfully render the animal unconscious. IPP informed Mr. REDACTED Establishment Manager, that the establishment had failed to meet the regulatory requirements of 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1). Mr. REDACTED was informed that IPP will take a regulatory control action and contact the Des Moines District Office through supervisory channels for further guidance regarding possible enforcement action. The stunning area was tagged with U.S Reject tag number B-46100161. IPP inspected the head after it had been removed from the carcass. IPP, using a tape measure, determined that one set of the holes ranged between 2 inches and 3 inches above the center of the eyes, along the medial line of the head. Another larger hole was 1/4 inch left of the medial line and 3 1⁄2 inches above the center of the eyes. Establishment personnel proceeded to split the head along the medial line with a saw to provide visual access to the brain cavity.

313.15(a)(1)

At approximately 0830 on 24 September 2021, IPP observed a humane handling non-compliance while observing HATS Category VIII, Stunning Effectiveness. The second animal (beef steer) for the day was brought into the restrainer and utilized the head restrainer. The animal was in an excited state and was able to take his head in and out of the restraint multiple times. The plant personnel made several attempts to aim, without firing, the hand-held captive bolt (HHCB) onto the head of the animal, but the plant had difficulty controlling the animal. The stunner operator managed to place the HHCB onto the animal’s head and fired the HHCB. The animal subsequently then vocalized. Plant personnel quickly used their back-up HHCB and immediately rendered the animal unconscious. IPP informed Mr. REDACTED Plant Manager, about the situation and of the forthcoming NR. No regulatory control action was taken as the plant immediately implemented corrective actions.