Farm Creek Meats, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2022 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

HATS Category VIII – Stunning Effectiveness While observing stunning effectiveness on 09/28/2022 at approximately 0927 hours, I observed ineffective stunning attempts on a beef cow under 30 months of age. After the first stun attempt with the hand-held captive bolt (HHCB) device that penetrated the head, the cow remained standing, vocalizing, head shake and eyes tracking. As the stun operator immediately grabbed the second HHCB device from near table, I observed the cow blink once. The stun operator delivered the second attempt 4-5 seconds later using second HHCB device to deliver the stun, which was effective penetrating the head and rendered the animal unconscious. The entire event was less than 6 seconds in duration and the Establishment took control of the situation with second HHCB device that was readily available and accordance with plan. The event took place while using head catch device and it was effective in managing the animal. Regulatory action was taken, and Knock box was Rejected with US Tag #B-4507035. It was observed on both attempts the stunner a plant employee made a habit of turning away before the triggering of HHCB. Establishment failed to meet regulatory requirement 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1). A review of the past 90 days of noncompliance's show one other noncompliance with same root cause YEQ1516071027N.

313.15(a)(1)

HATS Category VIII – Stunning Effectiveness While observing stunning effectiveness on 7/27/2022 at approximately 1144 hours, I observed ineffective stunning attempts on a beef cow under 30 months of age. After the first stun attempt with the hand-held captive bolt (HHCB) device that penetrated the head, the cow remained standing, vocalizing and eyes tracking. As the stun operator immediately grabbed the second HHCB device from near table, I observed the cow blink approximately 2 times. The stun operator delivered the second attempt 4-5 seconds later using second HHCB device to deliver the stun, which was not effective after penetrating the head. The animal flung its head up and pulled back with noticeable bleeding from the skull and nose area, until a third stun penetrated the head with now reloaded HHCB device approximately 10 seconds later rendered the animal unconscious. The entire event was less than 20 seconds in duration and the Establishment took control of the situation with ammunition that was readily available. The event took place while using head catch device and it was effective in managing the animal. Regulatory action was taken, and Knock box was Rejected with US Tag #B-4507033 I observed the undressed head from the cow and found three penetrating stun holes. I U.S. retained the head using US Tag #B-4507034. Two of the holes observed on the head were approximately 3mm from touching on the upper forehead just to the left of center. The third hole was approximately 40mm directly below and centered. Establishment failed to meet regulatory requirement 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1). A review of the past 90 days of noncompliance's show none with same root cause.