Luce's Maine Grown Meats: 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 Luce's Maine Grown Meats slaughterhouse establishment in 2024.
You can also see other establishments that were non-compliant in 2024.
313.16(b)(1)(iii)
At approximately 09:30 hours on 12/11/2023, the establishment was slaughtering beef cattle. While waiting outside the stunning area, in accordance with USDA protocols for firearm safety, I heard a gunshot immediately followed by vocalization of a beef heifer (Ear tag # 10 5-1-21). I approached the stunning box and observed the heifer had not been rendered unconscious. Mr. REDACTED, establishment owner, had delivered the first gunshot and immediately reloaded and fired a second gunshot rendering the heifer unconscious. I issued a Regulatory Control Action on the stunning chute with U.S. Reject B43343834 and notified both REDACTED and REDACTED, Slaughterer. The ineffective stun is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.16(b)(1)(iii), the provisions contained in § 313.15(b)(1)(iii) with respect to the stunning area also apply to the shooting area. The stunning area shall be so designed and constructed as to limit the free movements of animals sufficiently to allow the operator to locate the stunning blow with a high degree of accuracy. All chutes, alleys, gates and restraining mechanisms between and including holding pens and stunning areas shall be free from pain-producing features such as exposed bolt ends, loose boards, splintered or broken planking, and protruding sharp metal of any kind. There shall be no unnecessary holes or other openings where feet or legs of animals may be injured. Overhead drop gates shall be suitably covered on the bottom edge to prevent injury on contact with animals. Roughened or cleated cement shall be used as flooring in chutes leading to stunning areas to reduce falls of animals. Chutes, alleys, and stunning areas shall be so designed that they will comfortably accommodate the kinds of animals to be stunned. Establishment owner REDACTED was notified of the noncompliance and that a non-compliance record would be issued. A review in PHIS does not indicate a similar non-compliance documented in the past 90 days.
