M & G 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 M & G Meats slaughterhouse establishment in 2022.
You can also see other establishments that were non-compliant in 2022.
313.15(a)(1)
On 6/21/2022, at approximately 11:00AM, while performing a Livestock Humane Handling Verification Task at M&G Meats (M-8461), I, Dr. REDACTED observed the following humane handling noncompliance with HATS category VIII, Stunning Effectiveness. A red, white-faced steer first entered the knock box then managed to get the rear gate lifted enough to back down the alley way. The establishment employee in the alley worked patiently with the animal, but after more than five minutes of failed attempts, finally asked permission to utilize an electric prod gently, to which I agreed, only if it was used with minimal extra excitement to the animal, which is what occurred. The steer entered the knock box a second time and was quite anxious. The establishment employee operating the stunning device went to take his first knock with the penetrative captive bolt. When attempting this knock, there was the sound of a release, however the steer moved suddenly just as the employee discharged the stunner. The animal remained in a standing position, with head upright, eyes alert and tracking movement, as well as rhythmic breathing but no vocalization. The establishment employee grabbed the back-up captive bolt device and took a second knock which successfully rendered the steer unconscious prior to shackling, hoisting, sticking, or bleeding. After the head was removed and skinned, it was observed that there were two (2) holes present in the skull. Both were on midline, however the first was lower, nearly between the eyes, and at a steep angle, indicating a glancing blow from the stunning device as the animal moved suddenly and not entering the skull perpendicularly as occurs during a successful stun. The second hole was properly placed on midline, was higher than the first and was effective, as evidenced by brain matter protruding from the hole. Taking more than one stunning attempt to achieve unconsciousness represents a noncompliance with 9 CFR 313.15(a)(1), which states: "The captive bolt stunners shall be applied to the livestock in accordance with this section so as to produce immediate unconsciousness in the animals before they are shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animal shall be stunned in such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of excitement and discomfort." The steer was the last USDA inspected animal to be slaughtered for the day and for the week so a US Reject tag was not applied to the knock box. The establishment does have a robust systematic approach to humane handling in place, and they accurately followed their prescribed corrective actions. Mr. REDACTED was verbally notified at approximately 11:10am and is hereby notified in writing of this repeat Livestock Humane Handling NR that will be linked to others for similar cause.
313.15(a)(1)
On 4/11/22 at approximately 11:40AM while performing a Humane Handling Verification Task at M&G Meats, I Dr. REDACTED observed the following humane handling noncompliance. A black Angus heifer walked calmly into the knock box. The establishment employee went to take his first knock with the penetrative captive bolt. When attempting this knock, there was the sound of a release, but it was not apparent that it released properly, and it was assumed it was a misfire. The standing heifer did not vocalize or show any indication that it had been struck. The establishment employee grabbed the back-up captive bolt and took a second knock and the animal was rendered unconscious, stuck, and bled out. After the head was removed and skinned, it was noticed that there were 2 holes present in the skull. One hole was in the appropriate area for an effective stun, and one down to the left above the left eye. Taking more than one stunning attempt to achieve unconsciousness represents a noncompliance with regulation 9CFR 313.15(a)(1), which states: "The captive bolt shall be applied to the livestock in accordance with this section so as to produce immediate unconsciousness in the animal with a single shot before it is shackled, hoisted, thrown, cast, or cut. The animal shall be stunned in such a manner that they will be rendered unconscious with a minimum of excitement and discomfort." This noncompliance was in HATS category VIII "Stunning Effectiveness". Mr. REDACTED was notified of the noncompliance at approximately 12:00PM. This heifer was the last animal to be slaughtered for the day and for the week so a US tag was not applied to the knock box. The establishment does have a robust systematic approach to humane handling in place and they accurately followed their plan.
