Green Country Premium Beef, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)

313.2,313.15(a)(2)

While performing HATS category 4 verification at approximately 1622 hours on Monday, October 17, 2022 I, SPHV/IIC Dr. REDACTED observed the following instances of non-compliance with 9 CFR 313.2(a) and 9 CFR 313.15(a)(2). I observed a beef cow in a recumbent position inserted half-way into the knock box. The cow, which had already been rendered unconscious via captive bolt prior to my arrival, was being bled and appeared to be wedged between the floor of the chute and a metal divider that drops down to prevent multiple cattle from entering the knock box. I was informed by the on-line inspector that, approximately two minutes before my arrival, he had heard vocalizations and had seen two forelimbs extending into the knock box. I informed Slaughter Floor Manager REDACTED that the establishment would be receiving a non-compliance record due to non-compliance with 9 CFR 313.2(a) and 9 CFR 313.15(a)(2). I was informed that knock box operator error was the root cause. The opening to the knock box was not closed with sufficient speed to prevent additional livestock from attempting to enter while another beef cow was in the chute. The establishment elected to cease slaughter operations for the remainder of the production day due to not having additional qualified individuals on-site to operate the chute and captive bolt. No other similar instances of non-compliance have been documented for the same root cause within the past 90 days. This document serves as a written notification that your failure to comply with regulatory requirements could result in additional regulatory or administrative action.