Double J Meat Packing, Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2022 (USDA)

313.1,313.2

On January 07, 2022 at approximately 07:00 hrs., I CSI REDACTED was performing Ante-mortem inspection activities in the livestock holding pens. I Observed the following noncompliance. (1). The water trough in pen #14 and #15 that held 41 head of cattle from the previous day was frozen over, with no other access to water for the livestock. (2). The livestock unloading alley directly at the base of the offloading chute had a large sheet of ice approximately 2 by 1.5 meters. (3). A large accumulation of standing ice water in the same alley, approximately 13 cm in depth in areas the livestock were observed being ran through as pens employees attempted to shift livestock from pen to pen. This is a noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.2 (e) which states: " Animals shall have access to water in all holding pens and, if held longer than 24 hours, access to feed. There shall be sufficient room in the holding pen for animals held overnight to lie down." and 9 CFR 313.1(b) which states: "Floors of livestock pens, ramps, and driveways shall be constructed and maintained so as to provide good footing for livestock. Slip resistant or waffled floor surfaces, cleated ramps and the use of sand, as appropriate, during winter months are examples of acceptable construction and maintenance." CSI REDACTED took immediate regulatory control action and tagged the livestock unloading ramp gate with USDA reject tag #B38135220. Pens Area Superintendent was verbally notified that a noncompliance would be generated. Pens Area Superintendent immediate corrective action were to have the ice broken in the water trough in pens #14 and #15 to access water under ice, as well as open adjacent gate to pen #13 to allow the 41 head of cattle to access an additional water trough. CSI REDACTED removed the regulatory tag at approximately 10:17 hrs. This noncompliance is not being linked to any other NR.