[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 9, Volume 2]

[Revised as of January 1, 2006]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 9CFR313.50]



[Page 150-151]

 

                  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



[[Page 151]]



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. 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.