Spruce Hill Meats: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.16(a)(1)

At approximately 1110 hours[MST on 09/15/25, IPP was observing and verifying Category VIII, Stunning Effectiveness. A steer was moved into the restrainer and IPP was informed by the stunning employee that the stun was going to take place. IPP was on the slaughter floor. Following the first stunning attempt with the 12-gauge shotgun with 2 3/4” shell, IPP entered the barn to verify stunning effectiveness. The stunning employee immediately stated that a second stun was needed. IPP observed the steer was conscious and remained standing on all four feet, leaning towards the wall of the restrainer. The head was in an upright position with eyes tracking, and there was still rhythmic breathing with flaring and movement of the nostrils. The stunning employee immediately loaded the gun again, and IPP stepped out into the slaughter floor, at which point the stunning employee administered a second stunning attempt with the same firearm. Upon re-entering the barn and looking at the beef in the restrainer, IPP observed that the steer was rendered unconscious. The steer had collapsed to the floor and the rhythmic breathing ceased. Eye tracking was absent. This a noncompliance according to 9CFR313.16(a)(1). US Reject tag B39517928 was applied to the restrainer, and IPP contacted the supervisory chain for discussion and further guidance. Slaughter Foreman REDACTED was notified that a noncompliance had been identified, and an NR would be issued. REDACTED-Owner was notified of the noncompliance as well. Preventive measures were discussed. Mr. REDACTED stated that the head which was skinned was used for training purposes. Mr. REDACTED was retrained. Mr. REDACTED also stated that modifications are needed for the current restrainer to aid in restraining the animals for stunning or a new restrainer, when financially able to do so. The US Reject Tag B39517928 was removed at approximately 1330hrs MST ending the regulatory control action.