BEF Foods, Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.2

HATS Category III - Water and Feed Availability HATS Category IV- Ante-Mortem Inspection At approximately 0525 hours on January 29, 2025, I, Supervisory Public Health Veterinarian REDACTED, observed the following non-compliance during antemortem inspection. I observed pen 1 (containing 80 sows) with two of four automatic water bowls with no water in them, each of the remaining two bowls had 4 to 6 sows attempting to drink from. Upon further inspection, it was determined that the pigs were just moved after weighing from Pen 5 into Pen 1, inspection of Pen 5 revealed all four watering bowls were without water. In addition, it was determined that the main water value was turned off at some point in the night so the overhead water sprayers, which act as a secondary source of water, were not on. I notified Mr. REDACTED, Harvest line lead, of the empty water bowls and no overhead water sprayers, explained this is noncompliant with 9 CFR 313.2(e) "Animals shall have access to water in all holding pens and, if held longer than 24 hours, access to feed". The animal handler immediately notified maintenance to turn on the main water valve and began repairs on the broken/empty water bowls . I notified Mr. REDACTED of the Noncompliance and I would be issuing a NR.

313.15(a)(1)

On 12/17/2023 at approximately 6:45 am while in the barn observing and verifying HATS Category VIII Stunning Effectiveness, I, Dr. REDACTED observed the following non-compliance on a sow that was in a dog sitting position suspected on antemortem for presenting as non-ambulatory. I observed the harvest floor lead REDACTED discharged the captive bolt gun on the marked sow’s forehead. The sow vocalized and remained in the dog sitting position, while moving her head and looking around. There was a visible hole in her skull. Shortly after vocalizing she stood up and the establishment employees were able to restrain her back into a dog sitting position. Once in the dog sitting position, REDACTED readjusted the position of the captive bolt gun. He then discharged the backup captive bolt gun that effectively rendered the sow unconscious. Immediately after the second shot the sow's body went stiff showing the normal signs of an effective stun. Once observing the head, there were two separate penetrating holes in the skull. One left of midline, and the other was right on midline. REDACTED the Operations manager was informed that the establishment would receive a non-compliance record. The establishment was non-compliant with 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1). This document serves as a written notification that continued failure to meet regulatory requirements can lead to enforcement action as described in 9 CFR Part 500.4

313.1

On November 8, 2024, at approximately 0800 hours during the annual Humane Handling verification visit, the observations for HATS Category IV Handling During Ante Mortem Inspection the following noncompliance was observed. On the scale gate between the scale and holding pen 4, there were sharp rusted edges present on the lower half approximately one foot from the ground, whereby the sows could be injured. No animals were in this location at the time of observation, the establishment took corrective actions which were verified prior to use of the scale. Mr. REDACTED, Plant Manager, was notified of non-compliance with 9 CFR 313.1(a) “Livestock pens, driveways and ramps shall be maintained in good repair. They shall be free from sharp or protruding objects which may, in the opinion of the inspector, cause injury or pain to the animals. Loose boards, splintered or broken planking, and unnecessary openings where the head, feet, or legs of an animal may be injured shall be repaired.” This non-compliance will be associated with NR # YUC5004095723N, written on 9/23/2024.