ABF Packing, Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)
See the detail of the non-compliance of humane livestock handling that the USDA observed at the ABF Packing, Inc. slaughterhouse establishment in 2024.
You can also see other establishments that were non-compliant in 2024.
313.15(a)(1),313.15(a)(3)
On 10/16/2023 at approximately 0636 hours, at the knocking box, CSI REDACTED was performing HATS category task VIII observing stunning effectiveness. I observed the establishment employee apply a first knock with a captive bolt gun to the cow’s head. The first stunning application penetrated the skull above the left orbital bone, which failed to render the animal unconscious by a single blow. I observed the animal remained standing upright, alert with head movement, and the cow showed no signs of distress. After approximately 10 seconds, another stunning application was applied by the employee to the forehead of the cow. The cow immediately fell to the floor and showed no signs of consciousness. Knocking activities were stopped until floor management was informed of the stunning noncompliance. REDACTED, slaughter lead, and REDACTED, QA tech, was immediately informed of the non-egregious stunning failure. I observed carcass #37 head, after the hide had been removed, with Mr. REDACTED and observed two knock holes in the forehead area. Mr. REDACTED, Ms. REDACTED, and REDACTED, cattle manager, were informed that a noncompliance record would be issued to document the ineffective stunning procedure observed that failed to render the animal unconscious with first knock. This noncompliance represents a failure of the establishment to comply with FSIS regulations 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1), 313.15(3), and the establishment’s written humane handling program and take necessary steps to prevent recurrence.
