Green Country Premium Beef, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2022 (USDA)

313.2

While performing HATS category 4 verification at approximately 1237 hours on Friday, March 18, 2022 I, SPHV/IIC Dr. REDACTED observed the following instances of non-compliance with 9 CFR 313.2(a). I heard multiple vocalizations while I was located on the catwalk of the ante-mortem pens. I observed that a cow had its head stuck between the floor of the chute and a metal divider that drops down to prevent multiple cattle from entering the knockbox. Upon entering the slaughter floor I observed an establishment employee administer an effective stun. This initial stun was immediately followed by a security knock. The aforementioned observations are in non-compliance with 9 CFR 313.2(a). I informed VP of operations REDACTED that the establishment would be receiving a non-compliance record due to non-compliance with 9 CFR 313.2(a). I was informed that knock box operator error was the root cause of this instance of noncompliance. The opening to the knockbox was not closed with sufficient speed to prevent additional livestock from attempting to enter. A more experienced operator was rotated into the position as an immediate measure to prevent recurrence. No other similar instances of noncompliance have been documented for the same root cause within the past 90 days. This document serves as a written notification that your failure to comply with regulatory requirements could result in additional regulatory or administrative action.