Appalachian Abattoir: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)

313.1

On August 10, 2023, at approximately 1140 hours, I, SCSI, REDACTED observed the following non-compliance with HATS Category VII while performing a Livestock Humane Handling Verification under HATS Categories II and VII. During the unloading of 30 hogs, the hogs were exiting an animal trailer and onto a wooden platform. This platform was soaked from the rain earlier in the day. One hog slipped and fell onto his belly on the platform. He was then able to get up and proceeded without any visible injury. After about 5-7 more hogs, another hog was exiting the trailer and stepped onto the wooden platform where it slipped and fell on his belly while the right back leg of this hog got hung up on the trailer edge. The handler helped the hog up and the hog then proceeded without any visible injuries. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.1. REDACTED Plant Manager and REDACTED HACCP Coordinator were notified of this non-compliance. This NR is linked to the above NR in box 6A.

313.1

On Thursday, June 15, 2023, at approximately 0710 hours, while conducting a routine Humane Handling task, hats categories IV, I, CSI, REDACTED and FI, REDACTED observed the following regulatory noncompliances in the livestock holding area: In pen five, which contained 1 beef, the approximately 6"x6" drain cover was missing exposing the catch pan and the drain hole that is approximately 4 inches in diameter. This poses the risk of the beef injuring themselves if their leg were to get caught stepping in the drain. The beef did not appear to have stepped in the drain hole or become injured. Between pens two and three the water system had been removed, exposing multiple pipes that stick approximately 4 inches above the concrete. There were approximately ten beef in pen two, none of which appeared to have stepped on or became injured by the exposed pipes. The beef had access to another water source on the other side of the pen. These are non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.1. Plant manager, REDACTED was immediately notified of the noncompliance. HACCP Coordinator, REDACTED was notified via email. This noncompliance is similar to the one linked above in box 6A.

313.1

On 06/07/23, while conducting a Humane Handling task on HATS categories IV and VII, I, CSI, REDACTED, observed the following non-compliance at approximately 0915 hours. In the livestock pen area, a holding pen containing 4 beef cows had a gate that was laying in the middle of the pen floor. The dimension of the gate are 8 foot long by 6 foot high. No slips or falls were observed during the inspection observation. No cattle appeared injured during the inspection. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.1. Plant manager, REDACTED was notified of the non-compliance and took immediate action to bring the area back into compliance. REDACTED HACCP Coordinator, was notified of the noncompliance via email. This non-compliance will be associated with NR#QGH0108042513N-1, issued on 04/27/23.

313.30(a)(4)

On 6/2/2023 at Appalachian Abattoir during routine slaughter of market swine the following noncompliance with HATS category IX was observed at approximately 12:45PM by Food Inspector REDACTED Inspector REDACTED looked up from inspecting viscera and observed the slaughter floor supervisor stun a hog via the electrical stunner. The hog was immediately rendered unconscious. The establishment uses a head only electrical stun and then uses captive bolt as a security shot. A security shot was administered with the captive bolt per the plant’s program. The hog was then stuck for bleeding while Inspector REDACTED finished inspecting viscera. The animal had not been hoisted and no cuts had been made other than the bleeding stick which was done when the hog was initially rendered unconscious. When Inspector REDACTED looked up again he observed the same hog that had just been stuck for bleeding, standing up and the slaughter floor supervisor was applying the captive bolt to again render the animal unconscious. The animal was successfully rendered unconscious at that time and remained unconscious. Slaughter operations were halted by Inpector REDACTED and I notified Establishment Administrator REDACTED of reinstatement of suspension at approximately 1:10PM. USDA reject tag # B-45137176 was applied to the scale preventing animals from entering the knock box. Allowing the animal to regain consciousness after successfully rendering it unconscious is not compliant with 9 CFR 313.30(a)(4). This noncompliance is similar to the noncompliance in box 6 issued on 5/5/2023 and the two will be linked.

313.1

On 05/18/23, while conducting a Humane Handling task on categories II and IV; I, CSI, REDACTED, observed the following non-compliance in the livestock holding pen area at approximately 1330. On the livestock gates that surround the perimeter of livestock pens and alleyways the establishment placed welded wire from the bottom of the panels to 3/4 way up each perimeter panel. At the man gate on the west side of the pen area, and two of the gate panels along the north side of the pen area there were multiple areas of 3"-6" prongs from the welded wire protruding into the livestock alley ways. The protruding wire could cause harm to possible livestock walking or penned in this area. No animals were in the alley way or harmed from the non-compliance. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.1. REDACTED Slaughter Supervisor, and REDACTED HACCP Coordinator, were notified of this non-compliance. This non-compliance will be associated with NR#QGH0108042512N-1, issued on 04/27/23.

313.30(a)(4)

O 5/5/2023 at approximately 3:30pm Food Inspector REDACTED (FI) witnessed the following non compliance with HATS category IX at Appalachian Abattoir during slaughter. During routine slaughter operations the slaughter foreman was training another employee on how to deliver the security knock with a captive bolt on swine. At this establishment the initial stun is electrical and they use a captive bolt as a security knock.The last hog of the day was stunned with the electrical stunning device and was rendered unconscious. The employee who was being trained attempted to apply the security stun with the captive bolt but could not find the proper placement for the security stun and did not fire the captive bolt. Without the security stun, the hog regained consciousness and stood with no further signs of distress. The slaughter foreman then successfully rendered the animal unconscious with one shot using a second captive bolt in his possession. Allowing the animal to regain consciousness after successfully rendering it unconscious is not compliant with 9 CFR 313.30(a)(4) USDA reject tag #B38098251 was placed on the scale which will prevent livestock from being able to enter the knock box. Slaughter floor supervisor REDACTED was informed of the noncompliance.

313.2

On 5/5/2023 at approximately 1415 hours while verifying HATS categories III and IX the following noncompliance was observed. There were two hogs in the alley way pen nearest the entrance from the dry storage/loading dock area. There was no water available for the hogs. The animals not having access to water is not compliant with 9 CFR 313.2(e). REDACTED was notified of the noncompliance and it was corrected. A similar noncompliance # QGH1314030223 was issued on 3/23/2023 and the two will be linked.

313.1

On Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at approximately 0745 hours, while conducting the routine Livestock Humane Handling task HATS categories II and VII, I, CSI, REDACTED and SCSI, REDACTED observed the following regulatory noncompliance: While SCSI, REDACTED and I were watching a semi-trailer of approximately thirty beef unload, the seventh beef that was exiting the trailer reached the end board on the wooden platform at the bottom of the ramp and tripped and slid onto its knees on the concrete. The beef was able to stand back to its feet and make its way into the pens. Before the trailer could be shut, and unloading to be stopped, two more beef exited the trailer. The nineth beef to come off the trailer also tripped at the bottom of the ramp. This beef fell and slid on its brisket and stomach, legs sprawled out to the sides, onto the concrete. This beef was also able to regain its footing and make its way into the pens. I immediately stopped unloading at this point, as it was now possible, and placed U.S. Rejected tag NO. B38098212 on the ramp. No visible injuries were observed once the beef were in the pens. Temporary corrective actions were performed on the ramp and I allowed unloading to continue at 0815 hours. This is noncompliant with 9 CFR 313.1 due to the animals slipping, falling, and losing their footing due to the ramp. This regulation requires that there be good footing for the animals provided on ramps, pens and driveways. Employee, REDACTED was immediately notified of the noncompliance. HACCP Coordinator, REDACTED was notified via email. This noncompliance is similar to the one linked above in box 6A.

313.1

On 04/20/23, while conducting a Humane Handling task on categories IV and V, I, CSI, REDACTED, observed the following non-compliance in the livestock holding area at approximately 0710 hours. In pen two, which contained 7 beef, the approximately 6"x6" drain cover was missing exposing the catch pan and the drain hole that is approximately 4 inches in diameter. This poses the risk of the beef injuring themselves if their leg was to get caught if they were to step in the drain. No animals appeared to have stepped in the drain hole or become injured. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.1. REDACTED Slaughter Supervisor, and REDACTED HACCP Coordinator, were notified of this non-compliance.

313.1

On Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at approximately 0830 hours, while conducting the routine Livestock Humane Handling task HATS categories II and VII, I, CSI, REDACTED and CSI, REDACTED, observed the following regulatory noncompliances: While CSI, REDACTED and I were watching a semi-trailer of approximately thirty beef unload, the eighth beef that was exiting the trailer onto the ramp, broke the top board on the ramp that touches the trailer. The broken board created an approximately six inch gap between the trailer and the ramp. That beef slipped into the gap with its front legs, but was able to regain its footing with no obvious injuries and exit the ramp. Before the establishment or truck driver could stop more beef from exiting the trailer onto the ramp, three more beef came off the trailer onto the ramp and slipped into the gap with at least one of their front legs. Each were able to regain their footing and exit the ramp without any obvious injuries. The establishment and truck driver were able to then stop the animals from exiting the trailer and fix the broken board. After the board was fixed and the unloading continued, approximately beef number twenty-three through twenty-six exited the trailer and ramp at a fast pace on their own. Once those beef reached the end board on the wooden platform at the bottom of the ramp they tripped and slipped onto their knees on the concrete. All three of the beef were able to stand back up on their own and go into the pens. No visible injuries were observed once the beef were in the pens. At the base of the ramp on the concrete there was an approximately foot long section of black hair where the beef had slid on their knees. This is noncompliant with 9 CFR 313.1 due to the ramp breaking and multiple observations of slips. U.S. Rejected Tag NO.B38098188 was placed on the ramp. Owner, REDACTED, and HACCP Coordinator, REDACTED were immediately notified of the noncompliance.

313.1

On 04/13/23, while conducting a Humane Handling Task on categories IV and VII, I, CSI, REDACTED, observed the following non-compliance in the livestock holding pen areas at approximately 0720 hours. The livestock water system between pen 1 and pen 2 protrudes into each pen approximately 2'. The floor set screws for the watering system were not set and the establishment used a ratchet strap to set the water in place. The ratchet strap went around the water and connected to a gate post that was 4 feet away from the water system and approximately 18 inches off the ground. This left the ratchet strap exposed 4 feet into pen 1 and pen 2 tensioned at 18 inches off the floor of the pens causing a tripping hazard to the livestock inside the pen. In pen 1 there were 6 beef and inside of pen 2 there were 7 beef contained in the pens. No slips or falls were observed during the time of inspection. This is non-compliant with regulation 9 CFR 313.1. REDACTED Slaughter Supervisor, was notified of the non-compliance and took immediate action to bring the livestock holding area back into compliance. REDACTED HACCP Coordinator, was notified of the non-compliance via email.

313.2

On 03/23/23, while conducting a Humane Handling task on categories III and IV, I, CSI, REDACTED, observed the following non-compliance at approximately 1505 hours. In livestock holding area, there was a pen (pen #3) that contained 35 hogs that did not have access water. Pen #3 has an automatic water system that had been pushed halfway into pen #2 that contained 5 beef. The plug in the bottom of the water tank was removed causing the water tank to be drained and not give access to water for the hogs in pen #3. REDACTED Slaughter Supervisor was notified of the noncompliance. The establishment took immediate action to bring the livestock holding area back into compliance. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.2. REDACTED HACCP Coordinator, was notified of the noncompliance via email.

313.1

On Thursday, January 12, 2022 at approximately 0730 hours, while conducting the routine Livestock Humane Handling task HATS categories III and IV, I, CSI, REDACTED observed the following regulatory noncompliance with HATS category IV: In pen number one, which was holding approximately eleven beef, the approximately 6"x 6" drain cover was missing. The catch pan and approximately 4" in diameter drain hole were exposed. In pen number two, which was holding approximately ten beef, the approximately 6"x 6" drain cover was crushed down on top of the catch pan. This made an approximately 3" hole where the drain cover should be level with the floor. Both of these noncompliances pose the risk of animal injury if one of them were to get thier leg caught in the drain hole. No animals appeared to have been injured by this at that moment. This is a noncompliance of 9 CFR 313.1(a). Plant employee, REDACTED was immediately notified of the noncompliance. HACCP Coordinator, REDACTED was notified via email. This NR is associated with NR #QGH1507115425/1 issued on 11/25/2022. The preventative measures from the associated NR and the one prior was to place a metal strip over the drain cover and bolt the metal strip to the concrete. This was not an effective measure in preventing future reoccurrences.

313.2

On 01/04/23 while conducting a Livestock Humane Handling task under categories II and VI at 1230 hours, CSI, REDACTED and I, CSI, REDACTED, observed the following non-compliance While CSI, REDACTED and I were watching establishment personnel unload a semi-trailer of 15 beef at Appalachian Abattoir the last animal did not want to come off the trailer. The truck driver then went into the trailer to get the animal off because establishment personnel and the truck driver could not get the animal to come off of the trailer from the outside. While going into the trailer he took an electric prod with him and prodded the animal several times with it in order to get the animal to exit the trailer. The view at this point was very limited and it could not be seen where the animal was prodded at on the location of its body. The animal then came out of the trailer at a galloping pace and jumped the unloading ramp (approximately 4.5 feet high and 10 feet long). The result of jump caused the animal to slip and scrape its knees on the concrete surface. The injuries were approximately 2" x1.5" on both front legs. These injuries were observed after the animal then got up and walked to holding pen on its own with no extra driving tools. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.2(a) and 9 CFR 313.2(b), due to excessive prodding which caused excitement to the animal. In return the animal-maintained a pace that was well above its normal walking rate on the trailer and continued its pace as the animal went through the trailer exit gate jumping past the ramp. REDACTED HACCP Coordinator, was notified of this non-compliance. This non-compliance is linked to the NR QHG1507115425N-1 issued on 12/05/22

313.1,313.2

On Friday, November 25, 2022 at approximately 0800 hours, while conducting the routine Livestock Humane Handling task, I, CSI REDACTED CSI REDACTED, and SCSI REDACTED observed the following regulatory noncompliance with HATS categories III and IV: The three pens in use holding hogs and cattle had no evidence of feed. These animals have been at the establishment since Wednesday, 11/23/2022, and it appears they have not been fed since arrival. This is a noncompliance of 9 CFR 313.2(e). In pen number three that is holding hogs, the approximately 6"x6" drain cover was missing exposing the catch pan and drain hole that is approximately 4 inches in diameter. This poses the risk of one of the hogs in the pen injuring its leg if they were to get it caught in the drain. No animals appeared to have stepped in the drain hole or become injured by it. This is a noncompliance of 9 CFR 313.1(a). Plant employee, REDACTED was immediately notified of the noncompliance. HACCP Coordinator, REDACTED was also notified via email. This NR is associated with NR #QGH1707091702/1N issued on 9/2/2022. The preventative measures from the associated NR was to place a metal strip over the drain cover and bolt the metal strip to the concrete. This was not effective in preventing future reoccurrences.

313.1

At approximately 1:20 p.m. on 11/10/22 while verifying HATS categories I and III, the following noncompliance with HATS category IV was observed. Between pens 1 and 2 one of the panels was unpinned which left a gap on one side of the panel. The gap was 1-2 inches wide at the top and approximately 12 inches wide at the bottom. This is not in compliance with 9 CFR 313.1(a). At the time there was a hog sleeping on the floor of pen 2 with it's head in the gap facing pen 1. The hog had enough room to freely move it's head out of the gap if it chose to and was not in any distress. REDACTED plant manager, was notified of the noncompliance and immediately corrected it. A noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.1, #QGH2412113003 was issued on 11/3/2022 and will be linked with this NR. The plant has not yet responded to the linked NR.

313.1,313.2

On November 3, 2022, at approximately 1130 hours, while performing a humane handling verification task, I, Sharon Peredis, CSI, observed the following non-compliance with HATS categories II and VII. The tall wooden ramp was being used for unloading hogs. The ramp has a square platform at the bottom that is approximately 3x3' and 6 inches high. While hogs were being unloaded, I observed one hog step onto the platform from the ramp along with a hog on its left side and a hog directly behind it. There were more hogs being coaxed down the ramp at this time. The first hog which was in front fell off the side edge of the platform and onto the ground on its side. The remaining two hogs walked around the hog that fell, and it got up immediately on its own and proceeded to the pen area with no obvious injuries. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.1 and 313.2. Ms. REDACTED was notified of this non-compliance. This NR is linked to the above NR in box 6A.