Double L Meat Processing: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)

313.1

On Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at approximately 10:49am, IPP REDACTED discovers noncompliance at the Double L establishment. This noncompliance was discovered while performing a routine Humane Handling task and evaluating the establishment's Measures in Place for Inclement Weather HATS Category. IPP notes that one of the gates facing the shared hallway of the pens was in a state of disrepair and created a condition where animals could be injured. Along the bottom of the gate there were multiple gaps of which the bottom metal bar was missing. On one of the edges near those gaps, a protrusion of sharp metal stuck out in the direction of the shared hallway space. The piece of metal stuck out about 2.5 inches into this hallway. IPP notes that a “On Hold, Do not use” sign had been affixed to the pen with this gate (which was placed by establishment). IPP still notes that this is noncompliance due to the orientation of the piece of metal. The metal sticks out multiple inches into the shared hallway, and because of this animals would still be in risk of coming into contact with this hazard. IPP attached a US Rejected tag to the shared hallway space (ID B35205414) and notified both Plant Manager REDACTED and REDACTED of the Rejected tag placement and the incoming NR for this incident. IPP allowed establishment to make the proper corrective actions and implement a solution. The metal was wrapped with tape in a manner that would prevent injury to animals. IPP notes that this is likely just a temporary solution and a more permanent one will need to be implemented to prevent any further noncompliance in the future with this specific gate. IPP notes that this shared hallway in the pen area is in noncompliance with Regulation 313.1 which requires Livestock pens/driveways/ramps to be free from sharp objects and be maintained in a way that would not cause injury to animals.