Premium California Foods: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)

313.2

HATS IV Antemortem - Handling On Wednesday, November 16, 2022, I, Dr. REDACTED, SPHV and CSI REDACTED noted a humane handling noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.2(a). At approximately 1220, while observing cattle move into the slaughter chute, CSI REDACTED noted 2 cows laying down while being herded towards the knock box. CSI REDACTED informed me of this, and I went to observe the cows. I observed one cow laying down in the alleyway and a second cow laying down in the holding pen. Upon arrival, an establishment employee was down in the alleyway with the first down cow. The establishment employee attempted to lift the down cow by its neck. I instructed the employee to not attempt to lift or drag the cattle while they are conscious. The employee then aimed and successfully lightly kicked at the cow’s right shoulder. The employee moved to the rear end of the cow and made a noise and the cow successfully rose at this point. After the first cow rose, the employee then proceeded to go towards the second nonambulatory cow. The interaction with the second cow was not observed. Following these observations, we applied US Reject Tag #B43364788 to the knock box to stop all further stunning. I informed QC Supervisor REDACTED of the observations, the tag on the knock box, and the forthcoming noncompliance. At approximately 1310, after verbal corrective actions were received and considered acceptable, the tag on the knock box was removed. Slaughter was not continued for the remainder of the shift. Attempting to move a cow that is laying down by pulling up on its neck is noncompliant to 9 CFR 313.2(a), which states “Driving of livestock from the unloading ramps to the holding pens and from the holding pens to the stunning area shall be done with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals. Livestock shall not be forced to move faster than a normal walking speed.”