Wright City Meat: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2022 (USDA)
See the detail of the non-compliance of humane livestock handling that the USDA observed at the Wright City Meat slaughterhouse establishment in 2022.
You can also see other establishments that were non-compliant in 2022.
313.16(a)(3),313.16(a)(1),313.16(b)(2)
On September 13, 2022, at approximately 1130, IPP REDACTED observed the stunning effectiveness of a very large gilt presented for slaughter. Mr. REDACTED used a .22 rifle to shoot the gilt for stunning purposes. IPP REDACTED stood outside of the Kill Floor while the gun was in use, after the first shot IPP REDACTED stepped inside the Kill Floor and observed that the gilt was still standing and that the firearm chosen was not effective as to cause immediate unconsciousness. Mr. REDACTED immediately picked up the S&W .357 Magnum pistol to shoot a live .38 caliber special round and shot the gilt rendering her unconscious. At that time the noncompliance occurred Mr. REDACTED was not available to notify as he is on vacation, therefore IPP REDACTED verbally informed Mr. REDACTED that the Kill Floor employee responsible for stunning animals failed to produce immediate unconsciousness in the animal by a single shot and a noncompliance would be issued. Due to this employee's inability to produce an effective stun with the first shot this establishment has failed to meet the requirements in 9 CFER 313.16(a)(1) which states: The firearms shall be employed in the delivery of a bullet or projectile into the animal in accordance with this section so as to produce immediate unconsciousness in the animal by a single shot before it is shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animal shall be shot in such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of excitement and discomfort; 313.6(a)(3) which states: Immediately after the firearm is discharged and the projectile is delivered, the animal shall be in a state of complete unconsciousness and remain in this condition throughout shackling, sticking and bleeding; and 9 CFR 313.16(b)(2) which states: Special requirements. Choice of firearms and ammunition with respect to caliber and choice of powder charge required to produce immediate unconsciousness of the animal may vary depending on age and sex of the animals 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.
313.16(a)(1),313.16(a)(3)
On April 14, 2022, at approximately 0930, while conducting the PHIS Livestock Humane Handling Inspection task in the establishments slaughter area, I, CSI REDACTED, observed the following non-compliance. While observing the stunning effectiveness of a cattle, I watched Mr. REDACTED use a S&W .357 Magnum pistol to shoot a live 38 special round for stunning purposes. I heard the first shot then an immediate second shot and then an approximate 5-10 second delay before the third shot rendered the cow unconscious. Between each shot, the cattle showed signs of consciousness by being able to stand on four legs, moving around the pen, and vocalized. I immediately stopped slaughter and initiated regulatory control actions by applying U.S. Reject Tag B-45183850 to the knock box and notified owner REDACTED of the egregious inhumane treatment and non-compliance would be documented. Upon further inspection it was found that the cow’s head had three separate bullet holes located between the cow’s eyes. Due to this establishment’s inability to produce an effective stun this establishment has failed to meet the requirements of 9 CFR 313.16(a)(1) and 9 CFR 313.16(a)(3). After reviewing noncompliance records for the past 90 days, an association will be made to noncompliance DTB0811041807N for the similar root cause of ineffective stunning procedures.
313.30(a)(1),313.30(b)(3)
On April 12, 2022, at approximately 1400, I, CSI REDACTED, performed the Humane Handling PHIS task. Establishment was slaughtering hogs during today’s production. I observed the stunning effectiveness of a boar and electrical stunning was applied to the boar for approximately five seconds. However, when the operator took the electric prongs off the boar, the boar then got on all four legs and began moving around the pen exhibiting signs of consciousness. After the initial ineffective electrical stun, the operator increased the voltage and applied a second stun as soon as he realized the boar was up and moving normally, which took approximately five to ten seconds. The second stun successfully rendered the animal unconscious to allow for a successfully stick. Due to this employee’s inability to produce an effective stun with the first electrical shock, this establishment has failed to meet the requirements of 9 CFR 313.30 (a)(1) and 9 CFR 313.30(b)(3). Operator REDACTED and owner REDACTED were notified immediately of the non-compliance. Regulatory control action was not taken by IPP because plant initiated effective corrective actions.
313.16(a)(1),313.16(a)(3)
On April 7, 2022, at approximately 0830, IPP REDACTED observed the stunning effectiveness of the first beef (< 2 year old fat steer) presented for slaughter. Mr. REDACTED used a S&W .357 Magnum pistol to shoot a live 38 special round for stunning purposes. IPP REDACTED stood outside of the Kill Floor while the gun was in use; after the first shot IPP REDACTED heard another round being fired immediately from the same pistol to administer the stunning blow. After the second shot the steer was rendered unconscious. At that time Mr. REDACTED was verbally informed that the Kill Floor employee responsible for stunning animals 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 313.16(a)(1) which states: The firearms shall be employed in the delivery of a bullet or projectile into the animal in accordance with this section so as to produce immediate unconsciousness in the animal by a single shot before it is shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animal shall be shot in such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of excitement and discomfort; and 313.6(a)(3) which states: Immediately after the firearm is discharged and the projectile is delivered, the animal shall be in a state of complete unconsciousness and remain in this condition throughout shackling, sticking and bleeding. Furthermore, 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.
