ABF Packing, 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 ABF Packing, Inc. slaughterhouse establishment in 2023.
You can also see other establishments that were non-compliant in 2023.
313.15(a)(1)
On 11/09/2022 at approximately 0621 hours, at the knocking box, CSI REDACTED was performing HATS category task VIII observing stunning effectiveness. I observed the establishment’s new stunner employee apply a first knock with a captive bolt gun to the cow’s head. This first stunning application failed to render the animal unconscious by a single blow. I observed the animal still standing upright in the box with the captive bolt gun still in the animal’s head. The animal kept its head low in the knocking box. The cow’s right eyelid appeared to be moving and the cow showed no signs of distress. After approximately 20 seconds, another stunning application was applied by a different employee to the back of the cow’s head. The cow immediately fell to the floor and showed no signs of consciousness. Knocking activities were stopped until floor management was informed of the stunning noncompliance. REDACTED, plant superintendent, was immediately informed of the non-egregious stunning failure. Mr. REDACTED and REDACTED, cattle manager, were informed that a noncompliance record would be issued to document the ineffective stunning procedure that was observed. The new stunner employee was immediately retrained to ensure proper placement of the captive bolt to produce immediate unconsciousness by Mr. REDACTED. This noncompliance represents a failure of the establishment to comply with FSIS regulations 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1) and the establishment’s humane handling program.
