Macelo Central S.E. Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.1

On 02/26/24, while performing a Humane Handling Verification Visit (HHVV) at M-18867, SPHV Dr. REDACTED identified the following noncompliances: 1. Category II – Truck Unloading: A. Unloading platform area – two sharp metal pieces on concrete ramp border with sharp edges. The old metal L-Type pieces are adhered to concrete, that’s serve as a support for a previous structure, with expose metal border. That old metal pieces interfere with the normal walking speed of the pigs. B. Gate at Unloading Area - sliding entrance gate galvanized tubes very rusty and deteriorated with broken and missing galvanized tubes, sharp edges exposed. Gate was Rejected with US Tag B45937805. 2. Category IV – Antemortem Inspection: Pen #4 were Rejected with US Tag B45937807 and Pen #12 – rusty galvanized tubes broken and with sharp edges. Pens were Rejected with US Tag B45937806. 3. The Establishment’s Humane Handling Plan mention an Internal Audit. As the plan describe:” REDACTED plan owner or designated employee will perform an Internal Audit to identify possible improvements and corrective actions needed Results will be recorded in the Audit Form and the Corrective Actions Form”. The Audit Form was not provided because the establishment is not performing the Audit as stated in the Humane Handling Plan. There are no records of a HH audit being performed at all. Plant Management was notified of these noncompliances immediately in order to implement appropriate and effective corrective actions. This finding is a noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.1(a) that states: “§ 313.1 Livestock pens, driveways, and ramps. (a) Livestock pens, driveways and ramps shall be maintained in good repair. They shall be free from sharp or protruding objects which may, in the opinion of the inspector, cause injury or pain to the animals. Loose boards, splintered or broken planking, and unnecessary openings where the head, feet, or legs of an animal may be injured shall be repaired.” Failure to comply with regulatory requirements could result in additional regulatory or administrative action. Dr. REDACTED

313.2

On December 19, 2023, at approximately 0724 hours, during the Antemortem inspection, I observed that the automatic pig nipple drinker in Pen #16 was non-functional. I immediately notified the Plant Manager Mr. REDACTED of the noncompliance and requested appropriate corrective actions to be taken. As a result, the pen was rejected with US Tag NO. B-45937799. It is important to resolve this issue promptly to maintain animal welfare standards. This is noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.2(e), which requires that water be available to livestock in all holding pens and that animals held longer than 24 hours have access to feed.

313.2

Today, at 1309 hours, while performing PHIS Task - Livestock Humane Handling (Review and Observation) during Antemortem inspection, I observed that the water nozzles on Pens #7, #8, #9, and USDA Suspect pen did not had water. There were animals in all four pens when the noncompliance was found (approximately 25 animals total). Plant Management later informed us that the water nozzle of Pen #8 broke and one employee closed the main water valve supplying those pens. All four (4) pens were Rejected with US Tags B45937564, B45937802, B45937803, and B45937804. Plant Management was notified of these noncompliances immediately in order to implement appropriate and effective corrective actions. This is considered a Category III -Water and Feed Availability Humane Handling noncompliance. This is a noncompliance with 9 CFR Regulation 313.2(e) that states: "(e) Animals shall have access to water in all holding pens and, if held longer than 24 hours, access to feed. There shall be sufficient room in the holding pen for animals held overnight to lie down." Failure to comply with regulatory requirements could result in additional regulatory or administrative action. Dr. REDACTED