Chaudhry Meat Company, Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2021 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

At approximately 1150A on 8/23/2021 in the knocking box area while observing stunning during slaughter, FI REDACTED observed an ineffective stunning procedure on a cow. The plant associate used a gun cartage captive bolt device and applied it to the properly restrained cow. The size, sex, and physical characteristics of the cow were not inappropriate to the use of the captive bolt device and subsequent examination of the cow’s skull showed the device had been applied at the correct site. FI REDACTED observed the first attempt, the cow was still standing and blinking eyes. The plant associate promptly applied a second attempt using a backup device, which was an effective stun. FI REDACTED contacted FLS Dr. REDACTED and SPHV Dr. REDACTED at 11:51. I consulted with Dr. REDACTED, DVMS who advised me this was a non-egregious humane handling noncompliance. This is a violation of 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1). I discussed this incident with REDACTED, Plant Supervisor. She stated their investigation of the incident suggested the captive bolt device was malfunctioning and there are plans to have it examined by a professional. The plant will continue to use the backup device as its primary stunning device for now. This NR is associated with NR# ZCA0208081817N/1 dated 8/17/2021. This document serves as written notification that your failure to comply with regulatory requirement(s) could result in additional regulatory or administrative action.

313.15(a)(1)

At approximately 11:55 AM on 8/16/21 on the knocking box area while observing stunning during slaughter, FI REDACTED observed an ineffective stunning procedure on a cow. The plant employee was using the gunpowder driven captive bolt device and applied it to the properly restrained cow. The size, sex, and physical characteristics of the cow were not inappropriate to the use of the gunpowder driven captive bolt device and subsequent examination of the cow’s skull showed the device had been applied at the correct site. REDACTED observed that after the first attempt, the cow was still standing, blinking, and vocalizing. The plant employee requested and was granted permission to perform another stunning attempt using the same device, which was effective. Ms. REDACTED contacted me, PHV REDACTED, just before noon. I consulted with DVMS REDACTED who advised me that this was a non-egregious humane handling non-compliance. This is a violation of 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1). I discussed the incident with the plant General Manager, Wasim Chaudhry, who said that his investigation of the incident suggested that the gunpowder charge was defective and that he was replacing the cartridges and performing routine service on the captive bolt device. Following his assessment of the skull he concluded that the initial attempt did not penetrate the skull.