Triad Halal Meats LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2024 (USDA)

313.2

At approximately 8:20 am on 8/2/24, while performing a Livestock Humane Handling task at Triad Halal Meats (TA-46085), the following non-compliance was observed in the holding pens: As IIC entered the holding pens to perform their antemortem observation on the lambs. IIC observed that the final gate right before the door leading into the kill floor was closed. IIC observed that lambs were being held in that final section. IIC then walked onto the kill floor and cracked open the door leading to the final holding area and observed approximately 12 lambs resting on the ground. IIC observed there was no water available to the lambs due to the final gate being closed. REDACTED Plant Supervisor, was notified of the non-compliance with 313.2(e).

313.2

While verifying HATS Category VI – Electric Prodding / Alternative Object Use, at Triad Halal Meats (TA-46085), on 5/10/2024, the following noncompliance was observed in the slaughter room: At approximately 11:35 am, IIC observed the plant owner driving two cows into the knock box and closed the rear gate. Plant owner used the electric prod to drive the first cow into the head gate. Once the cow head was secured, the plant owner rendered the cut to bleed the animal. Approximately one minute later the head gate was opened slightly, and the first cow’s head was pushed back into the knock box. At approximately 11:38am, IIC observed the plant owner attempted to drive the second cow into the head gate using the electric prod. Between being driven forward and the first cow lying partially in its path, the second cow began to balk and vocalize its discomfort. Eventually the second cow was able to drive forward and put its head through the head gate at which point the vocalizing stopped. REDACTED, Plant Owner, was notified of the non-compliance with 313.2(a) and the requirement of driving livestock with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals.

313.16(a)(1)

While verifying HATS Category VIII – Stunning Effectiveness, at Stevens Abattoir (TA-46085), on 11/7/2023, the following noncompliance was observed in the slaughter room: At approximately 11:20 am, REDACTED, plant owner, drove a hog into the knock box and prepared a .22 rifle to dispatch the hog. IIC stepped out of the slaughter room and into the processing room. When the first shot was fired, IIC heard the hog vocalize numerous times. IIC heard a brief pause while the establishment sought a better position to apply a second shot. A second shot was rendered, and no vocalization was heard. IIC stepped into the slaughter room and observed the hog laying on its left side. IIC observed no other signs of consciousness. Upon inspecting the head, IIC observed the first shot approximately 1⁄4 inch above the center point between the eyes. The second shot was approximately 1⁄2 inch above the first. Regulatory control action was taken on the knock box with U.S. Retained tag #B37241828 and will remain in place until sufficient corrective actions are given. REDACTED, Plant Owner, was notified of the non-compliance with 313.16(a)(1).