Ida Meats LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2022 (USDA)

313.2

At approximately 10:00 a.m. February 28,2022 the CSI was outside and heard a calf vocalizing from the direction of the uncovered cargo trailer used for dead animal disposal. Proceeding to the trailer the CSI observed a calf buried two thirds to the bottom of the dead animal pile. The CSI immediately notified the stun operator of the live calf in the disposal trailer outside. The stun operator directed another establishment employee to retrieve the hand-held captive bolt (HHCB) device and to go outside with the CSI. The establishment employee began to pull the calf out from under the dead calves by the ears. The CSI immediately directed the establishment employee that if he is to euthanize the calf, he shall do it in place with no dragging or pulling of live animals. The establishment employee then used the HHCB device to render the calf unconscious then observed for several seconds until the calf was dead. The QA/HACCP coordinator was verbally notified at this time of the incident. U.S. Rejected Tag #B-45435538 was placed on the entrance/receiving door at the scene of the occurrence and the establishment was informed that receiving would be suspended until written corrective action were provided. The Denver District Office was notified through supervisory channels. There have been no noncompliance records issued for the same root cause within the past 90 days. The establishment has proffered corrective action of: All DOA'S will be euthanized and denatured before going into the dead animal trailer.

313.2

I, CSI REDACTED was detailed to cover inspection operations at REDACTED establishment 46433 from January 3rd through January 7th. Upon entree to the facility on Monday the 3rd, I observed 18 Bob Veal calves in the slaughter room. I counted the calves and noted 4 had died and 2 more were near death. A short time later, plant supervisor REDACTED entered the kill room. I pointed out the 4 dead calves and suggested that the plant humanely euthanize the other 2 non-ambulatory calves as they clearly were not able to pass anti-mortem inspection. Further observations revealed no water had been available for the calves. I asked plant management and personnel that were arriving, when were the calves receive. I did not get an answer from anyone as to when the calves were received or who they were from at that time. However, regulations 313.2 (e) states all received animals shall have access to water at all times. Feed shall be given if held over 24 hours. Since there were no record of receiving when the calve were dropped off it is undetermined if feed was needed. This non-compliance was discussed with plant management Monday morning. Records revealed no NR’s written for similar cause it the past 90 days. Plant management response 1/21/22 Hanging bottles of water will be in the pens at all times. A check in sheet with date, time, and number of animals received