10,000 Lakes Beef, Inc: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.2

At approximately 1046 on 8/20/2025, while performing an annual humane handling audit, Dr. REDACTED observed 16 head of cattle being held in a pen prior to the snake without access to water. Approximately 25 minutes later she observed the same 16 head of cattle in the same pen without access to water. Animals shall have access to water in all holding pens when being held for slaughter. This is non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.2(e). Dr REDACTED notified REDACTED (QA Manager) in writing at 1117. At approximately 1210, while speaking with REDACTED (Plant COO) I (SCSI REDACTED) learned that Mr REDACTED was not in the office today so I verbally notified Mr REDACTED of the noncompliance and its corresponding record.

313.1

Category IV Handling During Antemortem Inspection Category VII Observation for Slips and Falls At approximately 0901 hours on 04/01/2025 while performing antemortem inspection at establishment M47368, I observed 4 cattle lose their footing and fall on their bellies, with their brisket and abdomen contacting the ground in the drive alley just outside the gate of pen 5. One animal was observed slipping in the same place losing its footing with the caudal aspect of the hock contacting the ground. All animals were moving at a walking pace when they fell or slipped. I observed a build up of manure on floor where the animals lost footing. This is noncompliant with 9 CFR 313.1(b) in that the establishment failed maintain the floors in this area to provide adequate footing. I took immediately verbal regulatory control action discussing my observations with the employee moving the animals. He immediately put sand down on the area providing adequate footing for the remainder of antemortem inspection. QA Manager REDACTED was immediately notified of the noncompliance and that a noncompliance record would be issued.