Olson Meat Plant: 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 Olson Meat Plant slaughterhouse establishment in 2024.
You can also see other establishments that were non-compliant in 2024.
313.2
On June 18th, 2024, at approximately 1210 hours while performing Humane Handling HATS task category 2: Truck Unloading, I CSI-IIC REDACTED observed the following noncompliance. I observed a truck with approximately 3 floors with separating compartments within the floors for animal storage unloading market swine, at the establishments designated unloading dock. The truck was carrying approximately 400 market hogs and 100 roaster hogs. I observed the hauler using an electric prod as a movement tool to move the animals out of the truck and into the holding pens. For approximately 10 minutes I observed as the hauler drove the animals from the truck, down the ramp and into the USDA pens. I observed as the hauler drove the animals with the electric prod either by reaching in through multiple holes along the sides of the semi-truck or by opening one of the multiple little doors to have better and broader access to the animals that wouldn’t move. The driver was using an electric prod without charge as a moving implement as most of the animals would move once he tapped a swine on the back, side or moved the prod near the swine. The swine had little to no reaction, except a few minor vocalizations caused by handling of livestock. The hauler had difficulty getting a group of markets (approximately 7) to move. I heard the hauler say, “ why won’t you move” as he was trying different techniques and reaching through different spots on the truck to get the group of markets to move. The driver reached Inside the trailer with the electric prod tapping the closest markets ( approximately 3) to him as the markets refused to move. The driver then touched a market ( market #1) in the stomach section. Market #1 vocalized once and elected a flight response by running away towards the unloading ramp. As market #1 moved the group moved towards the unloading ramp. I moved approximately 3 feet over to have a better view of the animal handling. I observed the hauler move to a different group of markets (approximately 5), the hauler reached the electric prod inside one of the side openings in the truck-trailer and placed the electric prod on the face of a market hog ( animal #2) the market was standing approximately 1 and a 1⁄2 feet in front of the hauler. The hauler pressed the prod into the face of the market (market #2). The prod began to bend from the pressure. The animal did not move. Then market #2 vocalized loudly and elected a flight response by jumping backwards to get away, the market quickly shuffled backwards to the opposite side of the truck-trailer. When Market #2 shrieked loudly from pain the group jumped up following market #2 to the opposite side of the truck-trailer. I immediately called FLS Dr. REDACTED informing him of the non-compliance. I immediately sought for kill floor supervisor Mr. REDACTED while on the phone with FLS Dr. REDACTED. I notified Mr. REDACTED the USDA is withholding action immediately along with the following non-compliance. I placed USDA reject tag NO. B42003079 on the C02 loading chamber stopping slaughter immediately. USDA SPHV Dr. REDACTED allowed establishment to unload all swine on truck to be unloaded as the animals needed access to water. The rest of the animals in the truck were unloaded without stress or discomfort. The following is noncompliant with CFR9 313.2(a). As a result of the non-compliance, a Notice of Suspension was issued to the establishment.
313.15(a)(1)
On January 26, 2024, at approximately 1245 hours while performing HATS category#8 (Stunning Effectiveness) I, Dr. REDACTED, SPHV, observed Mr. REDACTED, Kill Floor Supervisor knock two market hogs inside suspect pen. At approximately 1247 hours, I observed Mr. REDACTED apply the handheld captive bolt device to the first hog’s forehead for the stun attempt. The pig was laying on the floor before first knock. After the captive bolt device was discharged, I observed the hog loudly squeal for a second and then stand up. The animal never lost consciousness with the first stun attempt, and while standing was conscious and tracking its eyes around the pen. I observed a hole on the forehead from the first stun attempt. Mr. REDACTED re-loaded the captive bolt device and applied a second stun attempt; the second attempt was successful, the hog lost consciousness, and Mr. REDACTED then exsanguinated the pig. I informed Mr. REDACTED that failure to render an animal unconscious on the first stun attempt is a violation of 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1).
