Marks Meat Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

HATS Category VIII: Stunning Effectiveness On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at approximately 1338 hours at establishment M9265, I the CSI, was observing market swine being stunned as part of a humane handling task and observed the following noncompliance. Establishment personnel brought the final market swine of the day into the stun box at approximately 1336 hours. The stun operator positioned the handheld captive bolt device (HHCBD) to administer the first stun attempt at 1338 hours, which was ineffective. The swine remained standing, with eyes tracking and vocalized. The second stun attempt was immediately administered from the backup HHCBD rendering the animal unconscious. I verified that the animal was insensible before shackling and bleeding by ensuring that the animal was not showing signs of consciousness. I took regulatory action control by applying U.S. Reject Tag #B41237354 to the stun box. Slaughter operations were at final stages so no more animals are to be slaughtered for the day. I notified my immediate supervisor and Frontline supervisor, who informed the Denver District Management team. I verbally notified the Plant manager/Owner that a noncompliance record (NR) would be issued. This NR is not associated for same root cause to any NRs in the past 90 days. This establishment operates under a robust systematic approach to the humane handling of livestock.