BEF Foods, 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 BEF Foods, Inc. slaughterhouse establishment in 2023.
You can also see other establishments that were non-compliant in 2023.
313.15(a)(1)
On 5/24/2023 at approximately 6:30 am while in the barn observing and verifying HATS Category VIII Stunning Effectiveness, I, Dr. REDACTED observed the following non-compliance on a lateral recumbent, non-ambulatory sow condemned on antemortem for presenting as moribund. I observed the harvest floor supervisor REDACTED discharged the captive bolt gun on the marked sow’s forehead. The sow did not make any movements, her eyes remained closed. REDACTED then held the sow’s head up to check her palpebral reflexes. There was movement of the eye lid muscles but they did not open. There was eye shifting under the lids. The sow moved her head away from REDACTED, and she vocalized a steady sustained moan while rhythmically breathing. After observing the following signs, it was evident that the first shot was ineffective in rendering the sow unconscious. He then readjusted the sow’s head and the angle of the gun. Then he discharged the backup captive bolt gun that effectively rendered the sow unconscious. Immediately after the second shot, the vocalization stopped, and the rest of her body went stiff showing the normal signs of an effective shot. There were two overlapping penetrating holes. One was midline and the other was right of the midline above the first hole. Once this observation was made, REDACTED was informed that the establishment would receive a non-compliance record. The establishment was non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1). This document serves as a written notification that continued failure to meet regulatory requirements can lead to enforcement action as described in 9 CFR Part 500.4
