Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.2

On Monday, September 30, 2024, at approximately 1830 hours, while performing Antemortem and verifying HATS Category III on market swine, I, Dr. REDACTED SPHV, made the following observations: While inspecting pigs of standard size in Pen 46, I observed overcrowding with a significant number of pigs laying on top of other pigs, with no obvious floor space visible that would allow pigs to lay on the floor rather than on top of other pigs. Overcrowding of pens causes discomfort to animals and creates a situation in which they are unable to access available water. For the hogs to access the available water spigots, they would have to walk on top of other pigs to do so. I brought my concern to Barn Manager Mr. REDACTEDs attention. Antemortem was halted to count the pigs and correct the issue. A total of 158 pigs were counted in Pen 46; 130 pigs were placed back in Pen 46 as stated in the Establishment’s pen capacity guidelines, and the remaining 28 pigs were placed in Pen 44. Antemortem was continued. The pigs were received at approximately 1530 hours the same day. Mr. REDACTED was notified of the forthcoming noncompliance. This finding is not in compliance with 9 CFR 313.2(e).

313.2

Around 20:10 on November 1st, while I, Dr. REDACTED, was watching activities in HAT category VI - Electric Prod/Alternative Use, when I observed the following noncompliance. While standing near the west side controlled atmosphere machine (REDACTED), I was watching the area prior to the gondola entrance and I was noting the function of the mechanical moving gates. A group of hogs was at the final moving stage, and I observed that one hog in the group was sitting down near the gate about midway between the wall and the REDACTED. The final moving wall (mechanical gate) started moving and pushed the sitting hog when I took a verbal regulatory control action, notifying the employee to stop the machine. The hog was pushed a couple feet while in a sitting position before the gate was stopped by the employee. The hog was unable to move on its own while being pushed by the gate. The company employee then used a paddle on an extended pole and got the hog to stand up and it walked backwards into the gondola. As there were no more hogs sitting or laying down, I released my regulatory control of the gate by telling the establishment employee they could resume using the push gate. The hog did not vocalize during this incident and did not seem injured after it got up; however, 9 CFR 313.2(d)(2) says that dragging disabled animals or animals unable to move while conscious, is prohibited. Although this hog was able to stand and walk backwards after the incident, the animal could not move on its own while being pushed by the gate. After the incident, I informed Supervisor REDACTED that I would be documenting a non-compliance. Later that night and in the company meeting Supervisor REDACTED, he informed USDA that they had a meeting and training session with all employees in the area that night.