Clausen Meat Company Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)
See the detail of the non-compliance of humane livestock handling that the USDA observed at the Clausen Meat Company Inc. slaughterhouse establishment in 2025.
You can also see other establishments that were non-compliant in 2025.
313.5
On 7/2/25 at approximately 0928 hours, while verifying HATS Categories VIII (Stunning Effectiveness) and IX (Conscious Animals on the Rail) at Establishment M325, Clausen Meat, I, Dr. REDACTED, SPHV, observed the following humane handling noncompliance with regulation 9 CFR 313.5(a)(1). While near the back of the CO2 elevators, I observed roaster pigs in the pens next to the CO2 elevators. Both CO2 elevators were open, and the roaster pigs were walking in and out of the CO2 elevators. I observed a roaster pig laying in lateral recumbency approximately 4 feet from the opening to the CO2 elevator. I observed the pig moving its legs in a kicking motion, attempting to right itself and squealing voluntarily without external stimuli. I immediately got the attention of the plant employee that was operating the CO2 chambers and showed him the recumbent roaster pig. Within approximately 30 seconds, I observed that the roaster pig had stood up and walked around while it was open mouth breathing and panting heavily. At this same time, I observed approximately 4 other roaster pigs standing in the CO2 elevator that were also panting heavily. I then observed another roaster pig laying in lateral recumbency adjacent to the open CO2 elevator, with its head laying just inside the CO2 elevator. I observed that the pig was gasping rhythmically, but did not observe any other movements or hallmarks of consciousness. A plant employee immediately touched the pig’s eye and elicited a blink. The plant employee then went to retrieve a hand-held captive bolt gun, and effectively euthanized the pig. The 6 animals that I observed displayed various signs consistent with carbon dioxide exposure and/or asphyxiation such as loss of posture, hyperventilation/gasping, vocalization, and/or muscle excitations/contractions. Plant Manager REDACTED was informed of my observations and that the incident would be documented. The findings outlined above represent a noncompliance with regulation 9 CFR 313.5(a)(1) which requires that “the animals shall be exposed to the carbon dioxide gas in a way that will accomplish the anesthesia quickly and calmly, with a minimum of excitement and discomfort to the animals” as anesthesia was not produced quickly and calmly with a minimum of excitement and discomfort in the first roaster pig identified. Mr. REDACTED informed me that they would close the doors to the CO2 elevators when they aren’t actively stunning to avoid unintentional CO2 exposure. Review of recent previously issued noncompliance records shows no same or similar noncompliance record to associate this document with for the same root cause.
313.5
On December 23, 2024, at approximately 1300, I (DVMO, Dr. REDACTED) was performing HATS Category VIII - Stunning Effectiveness by record review, I noticed a noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.5 (b)(3). The following are the details of the noncompliance. Establishment M325 uses CO2 to stun pigs, and I did not find any records documenting gas concentrations and exposure time graphically recorded. To provide the establishment due process, I emailed Plant Manager, Mr. REDACTED and asked him if the establishment had any records documenting gas concentrations and exposure time graphically recorded. I did not get a response from Mr. REDACTED During the establishment weekly meeting, December 26, 202, I asked Mr. REDACTED the same question again. Mr. REDACTED indicated that the establishment never had such records for the past three and half years. I informed Mr. REDACTED that the failure to have these records is a violation of 9 CFR 313.5 (b)(3), I informed him of the forth coming noncompliance and I provided him a copy of the regulation. The regulation 9 CFR 313.5 (b)(3) states “Gas concentrations and exposure time shall be graphically recorded throughout each day's operation. Neither carbon dioxide nor atmospheric air used in the anesthesia chambers shall contain noxious or irritating gases. Each day before equipment is used for anesthetizing animals, proper care shall be taken to mix adequately the gas and air within the chamber. All gas producing and control equipment shall be maintained in good repair and all indicators, instruments, and measuring devices must be available for inspection by Program inspectors during anesthetizing operations and at other times.”
