3D Meats, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1)

HATS Category VIII- Stunning Effectiveness At approximately 1:55PM on 07/29/24, CSI REDACTED observed the following noncompliance: CSI REDACTED was on the harvest floor inspecting a sow carcass and taking a NARMS sample when she heard the last sow being stunned with a firearm in the modified cattle knock box located in the barn. CSI REDACTED heard the first shot and immediately heard a second shot. After the second shot, the sow let out a loud squeal. CSI REDACTED then heard a third shot, and again, the sow let out a loud squeal. Then a fourth shot was administered and no vocalization from the sow followed. When the side panel of the knock box was raised, CSI REDACTED observed the unconscious sow. The sow was then shackled, hoisted, and bled out. After informing her supervisor of the event, CSI REDACTED took verbal regulatory control of the slaughter process and notified Mr. REDACTED Owner, of her observations. Upon inspection of the sow’s head, CSI REDACTED observed three smaller penetrating wounds in between the eyes, close together, and one larger penetrating wound higher up on the skull and to the left of the other three. A 9 mm handgun was used for the first three stunning attempts and a .460 rifle was used for the fourth stunning attempt. U.S. Retained Tag #B32709515 was applied to the knock box. Mr. REDACTED was notified of the noncompliance. The establishment failed to comply with the regulatory requirements prescribed in 9 CFR 313.16(a)(1). The Chicago District Office was contacted, and a Notice of Suspension was issued for the egregious event.