[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 9, Volume 2]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 9CFR313.50]

[Page 143-144]
 
                  TITLE 9--ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS
 
     CHAPTER III--FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF 
                               AGRICULTURE
 
PART 313--HUMANE SLAUGHTER OF LIVESTOCK--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 313.50  Tagging of equipment, alleyways, pens, or compartments to prevent inhumane slaughter or handling in connection with slaughter.

    When an inspector observes an incident of inhumane slaughter or 
handling in connection with slaughter, he/she shall inform the 
establishment operator of the incident and request that the operator 
take the necessary steps to prevent a recurrence. If the establishment 
operator fails to take such action or fails to promptly provide the 
inspector with satisfactory assurances that such action will be taken, 
the inspector shall follow the procedures specified in paragraph (a), 
(b), or (c) of this section, as appropriate.
    (a) If the cause of inhumane treatment is the result of facility 
deficiencies, disrepair, or equipment breakdown, the inspector shall 
attach a ``U.S. Rejected'' tag thereto. No equipment, alleyway, pen or 
compartment so tagged shall be used until made acceptable to the 
inspector. The tag shall not be removed by anyone other than an 
inspector. All livestock slaughtered prior to such tagging may be 
dressed, processed, or prepared under inspection.
    (b) If the cause of inhumane treatment is the result of 
establishment employee actions in the handling or moving of livestock, 
the inspector shall attach a ``U.S. Rejected'' tag to the alleyways 
leading to the stunning area.

[[Page 144]]

After the tagging of the alleyway, no more livestock shall be moved to 
the stunning area until the inspector receives satisfactory assurances 
from the establishment operator that there will not be a recurrence. The 
tag shall not be removed by anyone other than an inspector. All 
livestock slaughtered prior to the tagging may be dressed, processed, or 
prepared under inspection.
    (c) If the cause of inhumane treatment is the result of improper 
stunning, the inspector shall attach a ``U.S. Rejected'' tag to the 
stunning area. Stunning procedures shall not be resumed until the 
inspector receives satisfactory assurances from the establishment 
operator that there will not be a recurrence. The tag shall not be 
removed by anyone other than an inspector. All livestock slaughtered 
prior to such tagging may be dressed, processed, or prepared under 
inspection.