Alta Vista Locker LLC: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.2

On Wednesday, August 6th, 2025, I, CSI REDACTED, observed the following instances of non-compliance while performing ante mortem inspections during a Livestock Humane Handling task at Alta Vista Locker Est 3773. During the ante mortem inspections carried out before slaughter, I observed that the steel round pan intended for supplying water to the livestock in pen 7 was nearly empty. At that time, there were three cattle present in the pen. Additionally, pen 5, which also housed three cattle, did not have any water available for the cattle in the pen. I communicated the above observations to the team member who immediately provided adequate water to all pens. While the team member added water to the pens I set out to locate the plant manager, REDACTED, to communicate my findings. I emphasized to Ms. REDACTED the regulatory requirement of ensuring that livestock has continuous access to water in the pens and that I would be documenting a record of non-compliance. Water was supplied to all pens and the retain tag was removed once water was supplied. The establishment did not adhere to the requirements set forth in 9 CFR 313.2(e). This non-compliance will be associated with DGA5008073422N concerning the same related cause issued on 7/22/2025.

313.2

On Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025, I, CSI REDACTED, observed the following instances of non-compliance while performing ante mortem inspections during a Livestock Humane Handling task at Alta Vista Locker Est 3773. I began my ante mortem inspection of livestock with the three hogs located in the outer pen, which was the farthest from the entrance. This pen featured a steel water pan that was three-quarters empty. The temperature was approximately 75 degrees and rising. I instructed the team member assisting with the hogs' movement to replenish the water in the pan to ensure that the three hogs had adequate access to water. The other three swine scheduled for federal inspection were situated in the inner pens. Upon entering these inner pens, I immediately observed one sow in the main area whose water pan was completely without water. I then proceeded to the second section of the pens where two gilts were located, and I discovered that their water pan was also empty. I took regulatory control of the pens using U.S. Rejected Tag B33 572092 and directed the team member to promptly fill both pans with water. Following this, I sought out the owner, REDACTED, to relay my findings. I informed Ms. REDACTED of the critical importance of ensuring that livestock have continuous access to water in the pens and that I would be issuing a record of non-compliance. Water was subsequently supplied to all pens, which I verified, and the establishment was allowed to begin slaughter activities. I conferred with FSIS management to confirm that no further actions were required on my part. The establishment did not comply with 9 CFR 313.2(e) and was notified that it must take the necessary measures to prevent a recurrence of this issue. There were no recent or past instances of non-compliance associated with this situation.