Mitchell's Meat Processing, LLC.: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.1

While performing a Livestock Humane Handling task and verifying Category IV: Handling during Ante-Mortem Inspection, at Mitchell’s Meat Processing (TA-46822) at approximately 6:45AM on 3/6/25, IPP observed the following non-compliance: IPP observed a nail head protruding approximately 1.5” from a wooden board in the driveway leading from the pens to the knock box. In the opinion of IPP, the protruding nail could cause injury or pain to animals. The nail was addressed prior to any animals being lead through the driveway. IPP notified establishment management of the non-compliance with 9 CFR 313.1(a).

313.2

While verifying HATS Category III – Water and Feed Availability, at Mitchell’s Meat Processing (TA-46822), on 1/16/2025, the following noncompliance was observed in the holding pens: At approximately 7:30 am, IIC observed 3 lambs being unloaded and moved to a holding pen. When IIC began to preform antemortem inspection, IIC observed a solid sheet of ice covering the surface of the water barrel in the pen. IIC grabbed a sorting stick to test the thickness of the ice and IIC was unable to penetrate the ice. IIC observed similar conditions in the last pen that held an animal. IIC informed harvest employees of their findings. No regulatory control action was taken due to plant employees taking immediate action. Plant employees was notified of the non-compliance with 9 CFR 313.2(e).