Utah State University Meat Science Lab: 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 Utah State University Meat Science Lab slaughterhouse establishment in 2024.
You can also see other establishments that were non-compliant in 2024.
313.15(a)(1)
On 3/19/24 at approximately 0905 hours, I, REDACTED (Consumer Safety Inspector) observed the following humane handling noncompliance. After bringing the first beef to the knock box the beef was calm but a bit agitated. The plant employee applied a stun from a captive bolt stunner. The stun was ineffective, and the beef continued standing upright without vocalization. The employee then grabbed the second loaded/prepared captive bolt stun gun that was next to him and immediately applied a second successful knock within 4-5 seconds of the first unsuccessful stunning attempt, dropping the animal and rendering it unconscious. After reviewing the skull, it showed 1 large entry hole caused by both knock bolts hitting roughly in the same area with the successful knock appearing half a centimeter to the right of the cross point between the eyes and ears. The entry angle had a slight upward angle, and the other was straight down into the skull. The Establishment failed to comply with 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1). The Plant experienced no downtime, and a U.S.D.A. Reject Tag was not used. In review of noncompliance records (NRs), the establishment has not received a similar same cause NR in the past 90 days.
313.15(a)(1)
On 10/17/23 at approximately 0945 hours I, REDACTED (Consumer Safety Inspector) and Doctor REDACTED (Public Health Veterinarian) observed the following humane handling noncompliance. After bringing the second beef to the knock box REDACTED (Floor Supervisor) applied a stun from a captive bolt stunner. The stun was ineffective, and the beef continued standing upright. REDACTED then grabbed the second captive bolt stunner that was next to him and immediately applied a second successful knock dropping the animal and rendering it unconscious. After reviewing the skull, it showed 2 entry holes, one at an angle and off center and the second in the cross point between the eyes and ears. The Establishment failed to comply with 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1) The Plant experienced no downtime. No U.S.D.A. Reject Tag was used. In review of noncompliance records (NRs), the establishment has not received a similar same cause NR in recent history.
