Belmont Meats LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

HATS Category VIII - Stunning Effectiveness On May 31, 2024, at approximately 0750 hours, CSI REDACTED, (covering the slaughter) informed me, CSI REDACTED, that he observed the following Non-compliance: While performing humane handling verification activities at Establishment M51302, the Establishment personnel moved a Jersey Heifer into the stun box for stunning with a hand-held captive bolt. The heifer was standing in the stun box with the neck restraining bar in position, restraining the neck and head. As the Stunner made the first stunning attempt with the captive bolt, the Heifer moved its head. The stunning attempt hit the side of the head as evidenced by the sudden movement away from the stunner and a spot on the head where the captive bolt hit had some blood seepage, however the heifer remained standing and conscience. The stunner prepared to take immediate corrective action by re-loading the captive bolt, however, when he attempted to deliver a second stun, the captive bolt failed to fire. This occurred twice. This did not appear to cause additional injury to the animal. The stunner attempted to take additional corrective action by obtaining a second hand-held captive bolt and delivering a second stun, which made the heifer insensible. The employee then proceeded with hoisting and bleed out. The Heifer remained unconscious throughout the remainder of the process. Upon notification from CSI REDACTED, I immediately proceeded to the slaughter floor and halted the slaughter process in order to gather all detail and assess the situation. Gang Tag #B45792811 was attached to carcass and parts by CSI REDACTED. Mr. REDACTED, Plant Owner, was notified of the Noncompliance and the Establishment’s failure to adhere to the regulatory requirements of 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1). Also, after the slaughter was permitted to continue, Mr. REDACTED, replaced Stunner Personnel, In accordance with 9 CFR 313.50 which states: “When an inspector observes an incident of inhumane slaughter or handling in connection with slaughter, he/she shall inform the establishment operator of the incident and request that the operator take the necessary steps to prevent a recurrence.” Since the issue had occurred on the last beef for the day, I observed three hogs for proper stunning and bleed out and determined that this action promptly and effectively corrected the issue.