Premium Iowa Pork, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

While observing HATS category VIII – Stunning Effectiveness at approximately 12:45 pm, a regulatory noncompliance was observed. A hog which had been condemned on antemortem for pyrexia was being stunned with a handheld captive bolt (HHCB) stunning device. The employee was observed placing the gun several times against the head until the hog stopped moving. At this time the trigger was pressed, and I noticed the cap discharge had an abnormal sound. The hog remained conscious, on its feet and vocalized one time. A second loaded HHCB gun was immediately handed to the employee and a second stun attempt was made, rendering the hog unconscious. I waited until the hog was non-responsive and not returning to sensibility. I then left the area, informed Barn Manager REDACTED of my observations and the humane handling non-compliance. I went to the REDACTED room and performed a regulatory act by verbally rejecting the loading of the REDACTED. At this time, Slaughter Supervisor REDACTED was notified since he was in the REDACTED room. I then left to call for guidance, through supervisory channels and it was determined that a noncompliance would be issued. Slaughter operations were allowed to resume. I then went to the barn to inspect the head wounds, but the hog had been placed into rendering and loaded on the early arriving rendering truck. At this time the establishment Director of Technical Services REDACTED and Regulatory Compliance Manager REDACTED were also present for the discussions and informed of the forthcoming noncompliance record. Mr. REDACTED and Ms. REDACTED were informed of my observations and the forthcoming noncompliance record. Establishment management proffered verbal preventive measures and the regulatory control action was removed and slaughter resumed. .