Swiss Processing Plant Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2023 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1)

HATS Category VIII. Stunning Effectiveness At approximately 1348 hours on March 7, 2023, FI REDACTED stated that a bovine in the knock box partially restrained with the side catch only (not head catch) was shot with a 20-gauge shotgun. FI REDACTED stated that when he came out of the safety area that he observed the beef still standing, vocalizing, and moving it heads sideways (left to right). FI REDACTED stated the employee then grabbed the captive bolt and stunned the beef rendering it unconscious. The second stun attempt was immediate and effective. Upon further investigation, I, CSI REDACTED, requested that the head be skinned back to get an accurate view of placement. The 20-gauge shotgun (primary weapon) penetrated the skull at eyeline level. The second shot (captive bolt) was approximately an inch higher and in the correct position. I notified REDACTED, HACCP Coordinator that a noncompliance record would be issued for failure to comply with 9 CFR 9 CFR 316.16 (a)(1). This noncompliance is associated with noncompliance record number DEG3914015110N/1, dated 1/10/2023 for the same cause, ineffective stun. The preventative measures proffered by the establishment, “extra training on correct placements, of shots will be done first thing before any more animals done. Animals need to be caught in head chute whenever possible,” were ineffective or not implemented.

313.16(a)(1)

HATS Category VIII. Stunning Effectiveness At approximately 1225 hours on January 10, 2023, I, CSI REDACTED observed the following while reviewing stunning effectiveness. A bovine in the knock box (not restrained) was shot with a 20-gauge shotgun. This shot entered below the left eye causing the animal to vocalize and drop to its front knees. The animal remained conscious as evidenced by voluntary movement of the head. The second stun was immediate and effectively rendered the animal unconscious. I notified plant management that a noncompliance record would be issued for failure to comply with 9 CFR 9 CFR 316.16 (a)(1).

313.2

HATS Category III. Water and Feed Availability On Thursday November 10, 2022, at or about 0703 hours, I, CSI REDACTED observed 1 bovine being held in Pen 4. The bovine in Pen 4 did not have access to water. Immediate corrective action taken by slaughter floor employee was to move the bovine and provide water to it. I notified Plant Management that noncompliance record would be generated for failure to comply with 9 CFR 313.2(e). No HACCP personnel were available to notify of the failure to provide water for the bovine. On 8/16/2022 noncompliance record number DEG3812085616N/1 was documented for the same exact cause of failure to provide water per the regulation. The preventative measures given on 8/16/2022 by HACCP personnel: “Employees have been briefed on the regulatory requirement to have access to water at all times while in a holding pen” was ineffective to prevent reoccurrence.