Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)

313.1

HATS Category IV: Handling During Antemortem Inspection: 9 CFR 313.1(a) & 9 CFR 313.2(a) On September 22, 2023, at approximately 1530 hours, while performing antemortem inspection at Establishment #M86E, Cargill Meat Solutions. I, CSI REDACTED observed the following noncompliance: While walking towards the driveway (Kill Alley) I, CSI REDACTED heard a cow vocalizing and went to observe the issue. I observed the cow laying on the ground with its head stuck under the middle block gate of the Kill Alley. The cow’s tongue was hanging out and foaming at the mouth. Other cows were observed stepping over it. I immediately called the pen Supervisor REDACTED. Mr. REDACTED quickly opened the front gate leading into the round pen to let the cattle move up the driveway and then opened the second gate to free the cow’s head. After a couple of tries the cow was able to get up on its own. I notified Superintendent REDACTED there would be a noncompliance issued. He said he would have maintenance add another bar to the bottom of the gate. I requested that they check the other gates for large gaps while they were at it. The establishment has failed to comply with 9 CFR 313.1(a) & 9 CFR 313.2(a). The establishment has no recent history of humane handling NR and has an active humane handling robust systematic approach program.

313.2,313.1

At approximately 1445 hours on Thursday 12-22-2022 while I was preforming Ante- Mortem inspection. I noticed the water provided for pens 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 (281 head of cattle) was frozen solid in the water bunks and the cattle had no access to drinkable water in these pens. I took regulatory action and refused to sign Anti Mortem tickets until the cattle were moved out of the pens. The company got maintenance personnel out to fix the problem and cattle were only put into pens that had flowing water in them for the rest of the night. Second Shift Slaughter Superintendent REDACTED and Slaughter Manger REDACTED were informed that a NR would be written. Regulation 313.2(e) states: "Animals shall have access to water in all holding pens..."

313.15(a)(1)

On 12/8/22 at approximately 2:20pm, I, REDACTED, DVM, SPHV, was called to the head chain by an inspector. The inspector told me that they had observed several heads with knock holes either at the top of the poll or close to the eyes. Slaughter Superintendent REDACTED was present at the head chain and as I observed several heads go by with knock holes at the top of the poll, I pointed them out to him. He claimed that the holes were from security knocks. I then proceeded to the knocking area with Mr. REDACTED following. Upon entering the area at approximately 2:26pm, I observed the knocker attempt to render an animal unconscious with a compressed air captive bolt. His first attempt was unsuccessful, and the animal continued moving its head and tracking the captive bolt device. It took approximately 10 seconds for the employee to administer a second knock which was successful in rendering the animal unconscious. He then administered a third “security” knock. I pointed out the mis-stun to Mr. REDACTED and notified him that a noncompliance record would be issued. The establishment has failed to comply with 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1).

313.15(a)(1)

The following non-compliance was noted at approximately 10am while performing HATS category VIII, stunning effectiveness. A steer was ineffectively stunned with the pneumatic captive bolt, evidenced by back-and-forth head movement with eye tracking. The plant immediately and effectively re-stunned with the handheld captive bolt and the steer achieved immediate unconsciousness. The establishment line leader, Mr. REDACTED, was notified of the humane handling non-compliance and that an NR would be issued. On postmortem inspection the carcass was railed out and tagged with US Retained tag number MPD50641703 and the associated head was examined. On inspection, the ineffective captive bolt stun was consistent with the penetration of the frontal sinus. This is non-compliant with 9CFR 313.15.