Mineola Packing Co. Inc.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.1,313.2

HATS Category #7 Slips and Falls (9 CFR 313.1. 313.2) On Monday 3/3/25 at approximately 0836hrs. I, CSI REDACTED and Dr. REDACTED observed the following while performing a Humane handling task: (truck unloading), A small Bovine (calf) was unloaded from the trailer. The trailer was backed approximately 4 to 5 feet from the unloading ramp. The animal was required to step down from the trailer, approximately 1 foot, and onto the ground before walking and stepping up onto the concrete ramp. The animal fell to its belly/abdomen, with all 4 legs contacting the ground. The animal regains its footing and stands up and walked up the concrete ramp into the alley and entered pen #2, no injuries were observed on the animal. Mr. REDACTED (Plant Owner) was notified of a forthcoming noncompliance. The Establishment has a robust systematical program in place. Dr. REDACTED had concerns with the truck unloading during his last audit visit. Establishment failed to comply with 9 CFR 313.1 (b) 313.2 (a)

313.1,313.2

Hat Categories: Category #4 Ante-mortem Inspection (9 CFR 313.1 and 313.2) Category # 6 Electric Prod/Alternative object use (9 CFR 313.2) Category #7 Slips and Falls (9 CFR 313.1 313.2) On Wednesday 10/16/24 at approximately 0940 hrs. I, CSI REDACTED, observed the following while performing a Humane handling task: A cow (Steer) was forced to walk into the chute backwards. The employee struggled to drive the animal into the kill chute using a broom handle. While the animal was in the kill chute box the metal partition slammed down in front of the animal’s face and it panicked. As it attempted to turn back around, its’ knees buckled, and the animal fell to the floor. The animal’s head became stuck between his back left hip and the kill chute door. The animal’s knees and head were twisted to the floor. In this position the animal was not able to be knocked, and the employee struggled to get the animal back on its feet. Its tail was pulled upward; however, this was ineffective. Subsequently, REDACTED (owner) told his son to use the electric prod. In doing so, the animal was shocked, and it struggled to rise because of its foot entrapment. While attempting to free itself from the flap opening, the animal sustained an abrasion (approximately 3” x 3”) to its left leg from contacting the concrete floor. The animal was then stunned. REDACTED was notified that this practice was unacceptable. While I, CSI REDACTED, was explaining the situation, the owner replied that he has no control over the animal. He then notified his son, REDACTED, not to bring animals in backwards anymore. Establishment failed to comply with 9 CFR 313.2(a)&(b)