Hess Meat Market Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.15(a)(1)

HATS Category VIII – Effective Stun 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1) At approximately 1013 hours while performing HATS Category VIII: Effective Stun in the presence of DVMS Dr. REDACTED, it was observed that the first knock, using a .25 caliber captive bolt, on a black beef heifer was ineffective. The eyes of the animal rolled slowly backward as she dropped slowly toward the floor. She then arched her back and began swishing her tail back and forth. The establishment employee promptly applied a second knock using a secondary .25 caliber captive bolt located nearby, which was effective in rendering the heifer unconscious and remained so through bleeding. Upon observation of the head, we could see that the first knock was applied low and did not have good penetration. The second knock had good placement with proper penetration. The ineffective first attempt at sunning the animal does not comply with 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1). Plant Manager REDACTED was informed that a record of noncompliance would be issued due to the initial ineffective stun. No U.S. Rejected tag was placed on the knock box per Dr. REDACTED direction because of the immediate corrective actions by the establishment and it was the only animal for the day. The establishment does not have any recent history of humane handling noncompliance and has an active Robust Systematic Approach to Humane Handling program. Management stated they will implement preventive measures, including training on when and how to use the head-catch, and possible consideration of high caliber firearm as a backup.