Dan's Country Meats: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2022 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1),313.15(b)(1)(iii)

On May 2, 2022, at approximately 0808, IPP REDACTED observed the stunning effectiveness of the second beef (2 year old fat steer) presented for slaughter. Mr. REDACTED used a Jarvis captive bolt gun for stunning purposes. IPP REDACTED stood on the Kill Floor; after the first shot IPP REDACTED observed that after the first stun attempt the steer was still standing. After the second shot the steer was rendered unconscious. Furthermore, the design of this knocking box does not provide for adequate restraint of the animal in the knocking box so as to prevent the animal from turning in circles, this includes the majority of the beef that are slaughtered at this establishment. (9 CFR 313.15(b)(1)(iii)) At that time Mr. REDACTED was verbally informed that he failed to produce immediate unconsciousness in the animal by a single shot. Due to this employees inability to produce an effective stun with the first shot this establishment has failed to meet the requirements in 9 CFER 313.15(a)(1) which states: The captive bolt stunner shall be applied to the livestock in accordance with this section so as to produce immediate unconsciousness in the animals before they are shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animals shall be stunned in such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of excitement and discomfort. This establishment has FSIS Directive 6900.2 Revision 1, Humane Handling and Slaughter of Livestock, as well as other information for proper stunning placement, as part of their documents in the SSOP binder. Mr. REDACTED will be notified in writing upon receipt of this Noncompliance Record. Upon reviewing the previous ninety days of records it has been determined that there are no other similar NR's written for the same root cause.