Double J Meat Packing, Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

HATS Category VIII – Stunning Effectiveness On 09/26/ 2025, at approximately 11:38 am, while conducting the Livestock Humane Handling Verification task, I, the CSI, observed the following non-compliance associated with ineffective stunning of a heifer. IPP observed that it took two attempts with a handheld captive both (HHCB) device to effectively stun the heifer unconscious. After the first stun attempt, the heifer was rolled out of the stun box onto the floor and exhibited blinking reflex and rhythmic breathing but no vocalization. An establishment employee palpated the eye and the heifer reacted by blinking a few times. Before a second stun was delivered, the heifer was shackled and hoisted into the air to allow for a second stun because the heifer was wedged against a wall. A second stun attempt was delivered with a backup HHCB device and effectively rendered the heifer unconscious. I immediately informed the Slaughter Manager and the Acting DVMO. At approximately 11:45 pm I placed a U.S Reject tag NO. B-46751674 at the chute as directed by the acting DVMO. I verbally notified the QA manager that I would be documenting a non-compliance. There have been no noncompliance records issued for the same root cause in the past 90 days. This establishment operates under a robust systematic approach to the humane handling of livestock.