Nordik Meats Inc: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2021 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

At approximately 0740, while performing a HATS Category VIII ‘Stunning effectiveness Task,” Inspection Program Personnel (IPP) observed an establishment employee take two stunning attempts, with a hand-held captive bolt device (HHCB), to render an animal unconscious. After the first unsuccessful stun the animal was still conscious as it remained standing and bellowed. The employee immediately used a pre-loaded back up HHCB and successfully stunned the animal rendering it unconscious. This is a noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.15 (a)(1). IPP informed Plant Manager Ross Williams of the noncompliance and issuance of this Noncompliance Record. During postmortem inspection IPP observed 2 holes in the skull, one hole was about an inch above the eyeline and the second was an inch above the first. Mr. Williams performed corrective actions further preventive measures of additional training before the area could be tagged.

313.1,313.2

While conducting antemortem inspection at 0550 on 5-7-2021 in Nordik Meats I noticed the following noncompliance. As I watched the trailer being unloaded I noticed the animals were loaded into the primary holding pen. The pen contained 36 beef and 4 beef were in the secondary pen. At 0630 Slaughter operations were postponed until 0800. I went out to check the pens and about half the animals were laying down blocking access to the water for the other animals. At 0830 Slaughter was canceled and Plant Manager Ross Williams moved 5 more beef into the secondary pen giving the animals in the main pen more room to lay down over night. He also placed food and two more water buckets in the pen to allow for easier access for the animals. Plant Owner Rod Ofte and Plant Manager Ross Williams were alerted about the noncompliance