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

313.1

On July 23, 2025, while performing ante-mortem inspection, I observed the following noncompliance. At approximately 0740 hours, as barn personnel presented livestock for inspection, I noticed the steel gates on pens 11 and 12 leaning forward due to broken steel posts that secure them in place. This concern was discussed with barn management on 7/21 and was informed that the establishment was aware of the issue. Later that afternoon, I notified plant management of my findings and express my concern. By allowing this deviation to exist, the establishment failed to meet CFR313.1(a) and address the deviation in a timely manner. In addition, I observed approximately 3 to 5 inches of saturated muck on the floor inside pen #3 creating slippery conditions within the pen and that may lead to HATS deviation. This document serves as written notification that failure to comply with regulatory requirements could lead to additional administrative or regulatory action.

313.2,313.15(b)(1)(iii)

On November 18, 2024, while performing Livestock Humane Handling verification, I observed the following noncompliance. At approximately 0918 hours, as I crossed over the livestock serpentine alley, I observed animals inside. I continued to the stunning area and realized that the establishment was down for mechanical failure. I left the immediate area and proceeded to enter the harvest floor. communicating with the food inspectors, I was informed that the harvest process was down since 0900 hours. due to the lack of hot water in the sterilizers. I returned to the stunning area at approximately 0933 hours and found nine animals in the serpentine alley with no access to water. These animals were left there for approximately 30+ minutes since the interruption in production. I immediately notified Harvest supervisor REDACTED of the noncompliance. He took immediate action and instructed barn personnel to release the cattle into the holding pen to allow access of water. By allowing this deviation the establishment failed to effectively meet regulatory requirements under 9 CFR 313.2 During observation of the Livestock pens, driveways, and ramps, I observed the following deviations. I found the drop-down gate entering the serpentine alley without the benefit of suitable coverage. The rubber flap covering the drop-down gate entering the knock-box is damaged and loose. The animal head restrain is missing its overhead coverage. By allowing these deviations to exist, the establishment failed to effectively meet regulatory requirements under 9 CFR 313.15(b)(1)(iii). These deviations were previously discussed with plant management. This document serves as written notification that failure to comply with regulatory requirements could lead to additional administrative or regulatory action. no