A&W Country Meats, Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)
See the detail of the non-compliance of humane livestock handling that the USDA observed at the A&W Country Meats, Inc. slaughterhouse establishment in 2023.
You can also see other establishments that were non-compliant in 2023.
313.15(a)(1)
On 11/30/22 at approximately 7:25AM while performing HATS category VIII Stunning Effectiveness under the Humane Handling Verification Task at A&W Country Meats, I Dr. REDACTED observed the following humane handling noncompliance. A black Angus steer walked calmly into the knock box. The establishment employee went to take his first knock with the penetrative Blitz 9mm captive bolt. When attempting this knock, there was the sound of a release, but it was not apparent that it released properly, and it was assumed it was a misfire. The standing steer did not vocalize or show any indication that it had been struck. The establishment employee followed their documented procedure and immediately grabbed the back-up .22 caliber rifle and took a second knock and the animal was rendered unconscious, stuck, and bled out. After the head was removed and skinned, it was noticed that there were 2 holes present in the skull. One hole was in the appropriate area for an effective stun, and the other hole was an inch higher in the skull but still midline. This hole did not penetrate the skull as effectively. It was also noted that this steer had thick hair on the poll and frontal aspect of the head. Taking more than one stunning attempt to achieve unconsciousness represents a noncompliance with regulation 9CFR 313.15(a)(1), which states: "The captive bolt shall be applied to the livestock in accordance with this section so as to produce immediate unconsciousness in the animal with a single shot before it is shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animal shall be stunned in such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of excitement and discomfort." Mr. REDACTED was notified of the noncompliance at approximately 7:40AM. This steer was the last bovine to be slaughtered for the day. Mr. REDACTED utilized the electric stunner for the rest of the animals for today. Mr. REDACTED immediate corrective actions for the establishment moving forward is to utilize the rifle on cattle especially during the winter months due to the increase in hair thickness on the skull.
