Creston Valley Meats: Non-Compliance to Humane Livestock Handling in 2022 (USDA)
See the detail of the non-compliance of humane livestock handling that the USDA observed at the Creston Valley Meats slaughterhouse establishment in 2022.
You can also see other establishments that were non-compliant in 2022.
313.15(a)(3)
HATS Category VIII: Stunning Effectiveness On 07/27/2022 at approximately 1145 hours, I, Consumer Safety Inspector, REDACTED observed the following while performing a Humane Handling Task and verifying HATS Category VIII, stunning. CSI REDACTED proceeded to the stun box to observe Slaughter Floor Employee, REDACTED, stun 4 lambs. Standing inside the stun box, Mr. REDACTED successfully stunned 3 out of the 4 lambs with a handheld captive bolt gun. In the process of stunning the 4th lamb, one of the unconscious lambs kicked Mr. REDACTED, causing Mr. REDACTED to fall resulting in an ineffective stun. After the first stun with the captive bolt, the lamb collapsed on its chest region where it was observed breathing heavily, eye tracking, and blink reflex noted when Slaughter Floor Supervisor, Mr. REDACTED, touched the eye. Mr. REDACTED proceeded to assist Mr. REDACTED by reloading the captive bolt (approximately 45 seconds) and executing a secondary stun which then rendered the animal unconscious. IPP notified Mr. REDACTED, that this is noncompliant with 9 CFR313.15(a)(1) and a noncompliance would be issued. In observation of the lamb’s skull after skinning, IPP observed that there were two holes in the skull. One hole which was noted off center directly above the right eye and the second hole in the center of the skull.
313.2
HATS Category III - Water and Feed Availability (9 CFR 313.2) While performing a Humane Handling Verification Task of HATS Category III, Water and Feed Availability, on 5/10/2022 at approximately 0955 hours, I, Dr. REDACTED, SPHV, observed the following noncompliance: IPP observed three cattle in the establishment’s main holding pen that did not have access to water. I informed both Slaughter Floor Supervisor, Mr. REDACTED, and Plant Manager, Mr. REDACTED, that water should be accessible to livestock in all holding pens to be in accordance with 9 CFR 313.2(e). Mr. REDACTED immediately filled the water trough with water in the main holding pen. I informed Mr. REDACTED and Mr. REDACTED of the noncompliance and verbally stated that I would be writing a noncompliance to document my findings. I reviewed the previous 90 days of non-compliances and found none with like or similar cause.
313.2
HATS Category II: Truck Unloading On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at approximately 0750 hrs., I, Consumer Safety Inspector, REDACTED observed the following at the livestock receiving pen. Slaughter Floor Supervisor, Mr. REDACTED and establishment employee Mr. REDACTED, got into the farmer’s livestock trailer to begin unloading 6 market hogs. Mr. REDACTED standing inside the farmers trailer tried several times to unload the approximately 175 lb. market hog that was standing parallel inside the trailer. At which time Mr. REDACTED pushed the hog that was standing parallel with the trailer off the trailer. The hog fell approximately 2 ft off the trailer onto its side leading to all four feet of the pig pointing up into the air. The hog vocalized and let out a medium squeal for approximately 5 seconds when REDACTED pushed the hog. The hog immediately stood up and did not appear to be stressed or hurt and began to walk around with the other hogs. Mr. REDACTED immediately noticed what happened and instructed Mr. REDACTED the proper way to unload animals. IPP informed Mr. REDACTED, Slaughter Floor Supervisor, of the noncompliance.
313.15(a)(1)
On 03/09/2022 at approximately 1429 hours, I, Dr. REDACTED, SPHV, and Consumer Safety Inspector, REDACTED observed the following while performing a Humane Handling Task and verifying HATS Category VIII, stunning. Dr. REDACTED and CSI REDACTED proceeded to the knock box to observe Slaughter Floor Supervisor, Mr. REDACTED, knock a steer. Plant employee, Mr. REDACTED, leaned over the knock box railing and proceeded to knock the steer. After the first knock with the captive bolt, the animal collapsed on its brisket region and was observed attempting to stand, had eye movement, and began vocalizing. Mr. REDACTED quickly reloaded the captive bolt (approximately 3-4 seconds) and executed a secondary knock which then the animal fell on its side and was rendered unconscious. IPP notified Establishment Plant Manager, Mr. REDACTED, and Mr. REDACTED, that this is noncompliant with 9 CFR313.15(a)(1) and a noncompliance would be issued. In observation of the steer’s skull after skinning, I observed that there were two holes in the skull. One hole which was noted in the center of the skull had complete penetration through the skull and the second hole which penetrated the skull completely but was approximately 1 inch below the hole at the center of the skull.
313.2
HATS Category III - Water and Feed Availability (9 CFR 313.2) While performing a Humane Handling verification of HATS Category III, Water and Feed Availability, on 12/13/2021 at approximately 0740 hours, I, Consumer Safety Inspector, REDACTED, observed handling of livestock noncompliance 9CFR 313.2(e). IPP observed a steer in the establishments holding pen did not have access to water. Establishment informed IPP the steer was delivered yesterday on 12/12/2021. I informed Plant Lead REDACTED and establishment employee REDACTED of my observation and explained 9 CFR 313.2 (e) requires that water be accessible to livestock in all holding pens. Mr. REDACTED immediately filled the water trough with water inside the holding pen. I informed Plant Supervisor REDACTED, Plant Manager REDACTED and Mr. REDACTED of the noncompliance and verbally stated that I would be writing a noncompliance to document my findings. I reviewed the previous 90 days of noncompliance’s and found none with like or similar cause.
