USA Pork Packers Inc: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2025 (USDA)

313.1

HATS Category IV, Antemortem Inspection On September 17, 2025, at approximately 0720 hours, while performing antemortem inspection on a lot of roaster swine in a pen, the following noncompliance was observed by the CSI: The CSI observed one (1) roaster hog entrapped between a horizontal metal pipe (which was part of the perimeter fencing) and the concrete floor. The distance between the pipe and the concrete floor was approximately six (6) inches. The hog’s head and shoulders were through the small opening; the hog was alert and attempting to free itself. The barn manager immediately attempted to manually free the hog without success. The barn manager immediately retrieved a powered jigsaw and cut the pipe. After the hog was freed, it was observed to be deceased. This is noncompliant with 9 CFR 313.1(a). The remaining roaster hogs were relocated to a different pen. The establishment took further corrective action by installing sheet metal the entire height of the horizontal piping. QC Lead REDACTED, HACCP Coordinator REDACTED, and Plant Owner REDACTED were notified of the noncompliance.

313.2

On April 1, 2025, while performing HATS Category III, Water and Feed availability, the following non-compliance was observed: IPP began Antemortem (AM) Inspection at USA Pork at approximately 0715 hours, inspecting the eleven pens inside the facility. One trailer with hogs inside was noted as well, and this trailer was backed into the barn unloading dock. At approximately 0800 hours, the establishment requested that IPP begin AM inspection on the market hogs from the trailer, as they were being unloaded. While performing antemortem, IPP observed that 23 of the 148 markets hogs were dead. The ambulatory hogs had been unloaded straight into a pen with easy water access. IPP observed that there was no water hose connected to the trailer. This is a method used at this establishment that provides water to the animals that are kept on the trailer overnight. No other buckets or access to water on the trailer was noted by the inspector. IPP spoke to the driver of the trailer, who stated that he had arrived on USAPORK premises at approximately 2200 hours the previous day and that he did not provide water to the animals inside his trailer. Holding animals on the trailer overnight means the trailer is being used as a holding pen, which requires access to water for the animals. HACCP coordinator REDACTED was subsequently alerted to the situation and notified of the non-compliance. This is a non-compliance of 9CFR 313.2(e), which requires that water be made accessible to all livestock.

313.2

On Tuesday January 21, 2025 at approximately 0810 hours, while conducting the Ante Mortem HATS task I observed the following Non Compliance: frozen water pipes leading into the hog pens causing limited to no availability to drinking water for the hogs. This is a direct violation of Regulation 313.2 (e). While conducting a review and observation of hogs being driven for Ante Mortem inspection, I conducted checks on the water supply to the hogs in the pens due to my concern with the visibly icy pipe conditions. I pressed down on the water nipple lines in pen five and observed water flowing. I was able to observe and verify water flow in pen six for the hogs as well. I did not visually see any water flow from the water nipples to pen four. I pressed down on the front two (water arms closest to the suspect pen) nipple arms into pen four with no movement on the water stopper/release and no flowing water. I took regulatory control action by immediately notifying the barn employee to stop driving animals for inspection and alerted him of my findings. I asked the barn employee to try to release the water in the remaining three water arms in pen four. The barn employee tried to release flowing water from the remaining nipples in pen four and could not get any water to flow due to the frozen conditions. The barn employee then went to get a torch to heat the water arms and get water flowing back to pen four. This was successful and water flow was restored to the water arms in pen four. Ante Mortem inspection continued in pen four and once completed, proceeded to pen seven for Ante Mortem inspection. At approximately 0840 hours I requested that the barn employee test the water arms in pen seven to verify drinking water supply to hogs. The employee informed me that all of the nipple arms in pen seven were frozen causing water supply to be non-accessible. I again took regulatory control action by stopping Ante Mortem inspection. The barn employee heated the water arms and ensured free flowing water. I verified that water was flowing and readily available for the hogs then proceeded to finish Ante Mortem inspection for pen seven. After concluding Ante Mortem inspection I informed REDACTED Consultant and Cornel Establishment Manager of my findings and notified them of the Non Compliance. Regulation 313.2 (e) states: Animals shall have access to water in all holding pens and, if held longer than 24 hours, access to feed. There shall be sufficient room in the holding pen for animals held overnight to lie down.

313.2

While performing HATS Category III, the following was observed: Approx. 0800 - Imported Canadian Swine On Wednesday 12/11/24, there was a load of Canadian Swine that arrived and was unloaded approximately at 400pm. I, CSI, REDACTED broke the Seals for this import (#55533337, 338, 339, 340). On Thursday, 12/12/24, 120 swine were slaughtered leaving 217 swine to be slaughtered on Friday 12/13/24. This morning, Friday, 12/13/24, Inspector REDACTED, while performing Anti-Mortem Inspection, informed me that the load from Canada that was received on Wednesday 12/11/24, had not been fed. Therefore, the animals in the pens today remaining from the Canadian import on 12/11/24, had not been fed for over 24 hours in violation of regulation 313.2e.They did have access to water during this time. I went to the pens and observed that the animals in question had no feed in the pen area. I asked the barn supervisor if they had been fed and he confirmed that they had not been fed since they were unloaded from the truck on 12/11/24. I informed Plant manager, REDACTED Jr., and Consultant, REDACTED, of this non-compliance. This is a violation of Regulations 313.2(e). Regulations 313.2(e) states: Animals shall have access to water in all holding pens and, if held longer than 24 hours, access to feed. There shall be sufficient room in the holding pen for animals held overnight to lie down. REDACTED Jr. did feed the animals as an immediate corrective action. They spoke with the supervisor of the barn about this to ensure it doesn't happen again.

313.1

While performing HATS Category IV, the following deficiencies were observed: Approx. 1245 - Holding Pens 1 - Lift Gate - Observed bottom of gate, there is an (8-12 inch gap) that is rusted with sharp edges. The gap is large enough for the animals to put their head/feet/legs through; which may cause injury or pain. I agreed with the (Company's Immediate Actions) to leave the Lift Gate up and away from the animals until repairs can be made that evening before the next slaughter day. 2 - Swinging Door that goes from the Pen to the Stunning Area - Observed the bottom of door has a gap with rusted edges completely across the bottom, approx. (2-3 inches in size). 3 - Unloading Area - Observed a metal post with an opening that is approximately (4-5 inches in size) with sharp edges. The panel next to the post has a small opening with sharp edges. Informed and pointed out these deficiencies to REDACTED Co. Representative. Regulations 313.1(a) states: Livestock pens, driveways and ramps - Livestock pens, driveways and ramps shall be maintained in good repair. They shall be free from sharp or protruding objects which may, in the opinion of the Inspector, cause injury or pain to the animals. Loose boards splintered or broken planking, and unnecessary openings where the head, feet, or legs of an animal may be injured shall be repaired.