Seaboard Foods, LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

On production day Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at approximately 0116 hours, a noncompliance was noted with 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1) in accordance with HATS Category VIII of the Humane Handling Task. While at Stressor Pen 1 (ST1) and observing hourly plant personnel euthanize a disabled stressor hog with a captive bolt gun, the first stun attempt with the captive bolt gun did not immediately produce surgical anesthesia. After the first captive bolt gun was attempted, the hog immediately vocalized, crawled away from the plant personnel, and remained conscious all throughout as it displayed signs of rhythmic breathing, eye movement, head/body movement, and vocalizations. A noticeable dent in the animal’s forehead was observed in the location of the initial stunning attempt which was not present prior to the stunner’s use. Supervisor REDACTED then took the standby captive bolt gun and was able to successfully produce surgical anesthesia with a second knock. Supervisor REDACTED was immediately informed a noncompliance record would be forthcoming for this scenario. Later in the HACCP office, HACCP QA REDACTED and HACCP QA REDACTED were both informed a noncompliance would be forthcoming for this scenario.

313.2

On production day Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at approximately 0114 hours, a noncompliance was noted with 9 CFR 313.2(b) pursuant to HATS Category IV in FSIS Directive 6900.2 rev. 2. While in the staging area, a plant employee was observed striking a hog multiple times directly on top of the hog’s head with a paddle. The employee struck the animal too many times to count. The animal was caterwauling and cornered between two gate panels while the animal was facing in the northerly direction. The animal was unable to move in any direction while the employee directly stood behind it while striking it multiple times on top of its head with the paddle. Livestock must never be subjected to directed blows to the head under any circumstances whatsoever. Supervisor REDACTED was the first supervisor to be found in the immediate area and was notified of the noncompliance. Mr. REDACTED removed the employee from duty at once and sent the employee to the stockyard office. While in the stockyard office, HACCP QA REDACTED and FSQA Supervisor REDACTED explained the employee would receive retraining. General Foreman REDACTED, Mr. REDACTED, and Mr. REDACTED were all informed a noncompliance record would be forthcoming for this event.