35 P1009 Wayne 

Farms LLC

DSM5721

044603G

3-Apr-17 At approximately 1500 hours while assisting , with an annual GCP audit, a cadaver was noted exiting the last picking 

machine. The head was intact, engorged and red/purple in color, edematous, and no neck cut was present. I followed the carcass into the 

evisceration department. The head was removed by the head puller after the rehang table. I followed the carcass to inspection station 2 to 

ensure it was condemned. The inspector at station 2 condemned the carcass and instructed the trimmer to document it on the condemnation lot 

sheet as a cadaver at approximately 1508 hours. At approximately 1545 hours informed plant management that an MOI would be 

issued. 9 CFR 381.65(b) states that "Poultry must be slaughtered in accordance with good commercial practices in a manner that will result in 

thorough bleeding of the carcasses and ensure that breathing has stopped prior to scalding.

(b)(6) (b)(6)
90 P1235 Wayne 

Farms LLC

GKN16120

41507G

7-Apr-17 On April 7, 2017, at 0843, I, , observed less than Good Commercial Practices. While performing a routine AnteMortem Inspection and Good Commercial Practice check (GCP), I observed one live bird whose throat had not been cut about to enter scalder 

number one. The bird had open, blinking eyes and was lifting its head in an attempt to right itself. I was standing at the west (entrance) end of 

scalder number one where the establishment has installed a stop button for occurrences such as this. Therefore, I immediately stopped the 

picking line, per establishment’s written permission, to prevent the bird from entering the scald vat. and 

 arrived quickly and removed the bird from the line prior to restarting the picking line. I 

immediately performed an additional 1,000 bird check and did not observe any improperly slaughtered carcasses. I then proceeded to the kill 

room to verify the function of the stunner and kill machine. During my observation period all except 3 small birds were stunned and killed. The 3 

small birds were then missed by the kill blade but were properly cut by the back up killer. The aforementioned bird had passed all plant 

intervention steps and the entrance into the scalder was imminent when the line stopped. Hence, it is reasonable to conclude that without 

intervention and the utilization of the emergency stop button, the bird would have entered the scalder alive. 

After removal of the live bird and examination of the kill process, the establishment determined that due to bird size variations the stunner 

needed to be raised. After adjusting equipment, verification checks performed by QA humane handling technician indicated that additional 

adjustments were needed. These adjustments were made and verification checks were found to be acceptable. 

At approximately 0900, I notified Plant Manager Heath Loyd that GCP MOI documentation would be forthcoming.

A copy of this Memorandum of Interview will be forwarded to appropriate personnel in the Jackson District Office.

Respectfully, 

Cc: Dr. David Thompson, DDM, Jackson DO 

(b)(6) (b)(6)

(b)(6)

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6)
85 P1250 Fieldale 

Farms 

Corporation

OAA34090

42511G

11-Apr-17 124 birds were accidently suffocated on the hanging belt in the live hang room at P-1250 on the morning of April 10 between 0700 and 0800 hrs. 

due to a malfunction of the hanging belt causing the cogs to run but the belt to slip. Consequently birds from the dumping belt dropped on top of 

the birds on the hanging belt below and suffocated the birds on the hanging belt. I observed many of the dead birds while performing the Good 

Commercial Practices task. I met with and later the same 

morning at approximately 0945 hrs. They gave me the above explanation, also adding that the dumping belt automatically continues to operate 

as long as the cogs on the hanging belt are turning and cannot recognize when the hanging belt is slipping, i.e. the dumping belt keeps running.

They said that when the malfunction was recognized by establishment personnel, no new cages of birds were dumped on the dumping belt. They 

didn’t see how the incident could have been avoided and said that it doesn't happen very often.

85 P1272 Pilgrim's 

Pride 

Corporation

CCA22070

45425G

25-Apr-17 Mark Dean, Plant Manager 

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation P-1272 

113 McNeal Drive Douglas, GA 31533 

On Monday, April 24, 2017 at approximately 0605 hours while performing a Good Commercial Practices Task at P-1272 I, , 

observed an issue with the implementation of Good Commercial Practices in the pre-evisceration area. I observed one live bird enter the scald vat 

on line number two alive. The bird was observed alive and blinking its eyes prior to entry into the scald vat. I immediately notified 

 We both observed the cadaver upon exit from scald vat number 2 and scald vat number 3 stated he would replace 

the current backup killer on line two with another backup killer. No other live birds were observed entering the scald vat alive. 

This issue will be discussed with management at the next USDA weekly meeting on April 25, 2017. There was no immediate response given by 

establishment management. 

Respectfully, 

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6)

(b)(6)

(b)(6) (b)(6)
90 P1317 Wayne 

Farms LLC

QUI11100

43118G

18-Apr-17 On Monday April 17, 2017 at approximately 0817 hour while performing an Ante Mortem inspection and a Good Commercial Practice Check, I 

observed a weak bird on its back under the dump cages in a puddle of water, with weak respirations, soaking wet and unable to right itself. In 

addition its right wing was contorted in an abnormal angle in the mid humeral region appearing fractured. I immediately went to ask the dump 

cage operator if he had a radio to call for a supervisor, he asked if it was for the loose bird, I replied yes. He told me that he did not and that I 

needed to go around front to the office to find someone. I went towards the front of the building, at which time I found a maintenance worker 

with a radio and asked him to call for a supervisor to meet me at the dump cages as quickly as possible. At approximately 0819 a supervisor came 

to the dump cages, got the bird and took it back into production. At 0822 a meeting was held with supervisors explaining that it is imperative 

that birds be handled/treated humanely prior to slaughter and do not die by means other than slaughter. This bird was in imminent danger of 

dying by drowning. At this time I was told that the bird had fallen out of a hole in the bottom of a cage to the area under the dump cages, which 

has a large amount of water at all times. The bird had not been retrieved in a timely manner allowing it to become injured and at risk of 

drowning. Management was informed of the resulting MOI from this incident. 

As per Federal Register Notice Docket No. 04-037N dated September 28, 2005, Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter, the Food Safety 

Inspection Service (FSIS) strongly encourages all establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry to make every effort to treat poultry 

humanely and abide by the Good Commercial Practices (GCPs) as described by industry guidelines. 

My observations are consistent with less than good commercial practices. 

A copy of this Memorandum of Interview will be forwarded to appropriate personnel in the District Office. 

Respectfully submitted on April 17, 2017. 

Cc: 

DDM 

DVMS 

FLS

(b)(6)
90 P1317 Wayne 

Farms LLC

QUI15110

40919G

19-Apr-17 On Wednesday April 19, 2017 at approximately 0647 hour while performing an Ante Mortem inspection and a Good Commercial Practice Check, I observed a weak, moribund bird on its back with 

shallow respirations on the ground in live hang at the end of the live hang belt under a pile of four other dead birds. This bird was in imminent danger of becoming crushed and dying by means 

other than slaughter. There was not a supervisor in the area, nor was one close by. No one was monitoring the birds at the end of the belt. I asked one of the live hang employees if anyone in 

the area had a radio to call a supervisor and was told no; that in order to get a supervisor I would have to go through the building and find the offices to locate someone. Due to the immediate 

risk of death/suffocation to the weak bird and the length of time it would take to get a supervisor, I first pulled the bird off to the side out from under the pile of already dead birds in order to 

prevent it from dying until I could locate a supervisor. An employee with a radio was found in the building. I asked her to please call a supervisor to meet me in live hang. Approximately 5 

minutes from finding the bird arrived and I showed her the bird and told her that it had been under the pile of the dead birds that were now beside it.

She had gotten an employee to get the bird and put it back on the belt and into production and also instructed the employee to stay at the end of the belt to monitor the area.

informed me that the supervisors had been in a meeting discussing the similar event that occurred yesterday and previous GCP MOI issued earlier this week. 

Yesterday, Tuesday April 18, 2017 at approximately 0827 while doing the Ante Mortem and Good Commercial Practice Check for that day, I observed a similar incident. In the live hang room at 

the end of the live hang belt on the ground there were a total of 8 birds, 7 of them were dead and one was live. The live bird was moribund and very weak. I asked an employee to get a 

supervisor and it took approximately 6 minutes for a supervisor to arrive. By the time the supervisor had gotten to the area the bird had expired. I asked for the supervisor to radio 

, to discuss the incident. Good Commercial Practices were discussed in depth at that time and assured me that the situation would be rectified, as this had never 

been an issue at this establishment before and it would be prevented from happening again in the future. I explained to him that this was very serious and the agency takes treatment of birds 

prior to slaughter very serious as well as birds dying by means other than slaughter. I also informed him that I would be doing additional GCP checks to verify that this did not occur again. Live 

birds should not comingle with the DOA birds as this puts them at risk for suffocation / becoming crushed. 

Once the incident occurred today was informed that an MOI would result from these issues. 

As per Federal Register Notice Docket No. 04-037N dated September 28, 2005, Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter, the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) strongly encourages all 

establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry to make every effort to treat poultry humanely and abide by the Good Commercial Practices (GCPs) as described by industry guidelines. 

My observations are consistent with less than good commercial practices. 

A copy of this Memorandum of Interview will be forwarded to appropriate personnel in the District Office. 

Respectfully submitted on April 19, 2017. 

Cc: 

Dr. David Thompson, DDM 

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b) (6)
80 P146 Tyson 

Foods, Inc,

EJJ531004

3926G

26-Apr-17 P 146 Tyson Poultry 

On April 25, 2017 at approximately 0515 while performing ante-mortem and Good Commercial Practice I observed while walking through the live 

hang area there were a large number of dead chickens on the DOA belt. This seems to be a constant finding when there are chickens left over 

from the night shift that did not get slaughtered. In checking I found there were 17,680 chickens that were held over from the previous 

night. While continuing to perform ante-mortem and Good Commercial Practice on the live chickens on the trailers in the shed, I observed the 

chickens in the cages to be very depressed and cold looking. I could see there were some that had also died. These were also part of the numbers 

that were left from the previous night.I Inquired if there had been any equipment failure or a mechanical issue that caused this number of 

chickens not to be slaughtered and there was none. This seems to be a continual issue of too many chickens delivered to be slaughtered within 

the shift. The weather during the night was rainy and there was a cold damp air. The shed is open without any protection from the weather 

allowing these chickens to endure the elements of the weather. The chickens are held off feed prior to being caught and loaded into the cages on 

the trailers and have not had any water after they were loaded. Therefore these chickens had no food or water for approximately 12 to 24 hours.I 

have observed prior that when chickens are carried over from the previous day to bear the elements of the weather whether it is very cold or very 

hot there is an increase in the number of DOA’s during my ante-mortem and GMP 

checks. Therefore my observation is that all this 

these chickens evidently died due by means other than the normal slaughter process.This issue had been discussed at the last weekly meeting 

and evidently no corrective measures have been taken to correct the issue.

40 P165H OK Foods, 

Inc.

DAF29140

44417G

17-Apr-17 At approximately 1225 on 4/17/17 while performing a good commercial practice check in the back dock area, I observed the following poor live 

bird handling techniques. A live bird holding cage was resting on the concrete with all the doors open and approximately 300 live chickens 

huddled in the area. It appeared that the cage had fallen from a forklift and spilled the birds out. I observed the cage boomer correctly lifting 

birds, one at a time and placing them into the cage. As I monitored the situation, I observed two live hang employees come to the assistance of 

the boomer. However, one of these employees was scooping up multiple chickens (3) at a time, resulting in birds being carried by a wing or leg.

These chickens were then crammed into the cage using more force than necessary. At this point, I walked to the cage and asked the live hang 

employee to stop catching birds. Both live hang employees immediately stopped catching birds and returned to the live hang room. I then began 

looking around the area for someone with a radio to contact plant management. I observed one of the live hang leads watching from under the 

cage dumping area and asked him to radio . arrived a short time later. I immediately 

informed him of my observations. I stayed in the area until all the live birds were caught and returned to the cage using proper live bird handling 

techniques. commented that he would discuss my observations with the back dock lead in an attempt to determine who the live 

hang employee was. Later, reported that the live hang employee denied catching birds by the wing or leg. On the morning of 

4/18/17, met with to further discuss this incident. asked what caused the cage to fall 

from the live haul truck and what steps the establishment was taking to prevent this from happening in the future. later explained that 

the forklift driver had not raised the top cage high enough prior to backing up the lift. The top cage caught on the lip of the cage below, pulling it 

off the forks of the lift, causing it to fall to the concrete. also commented that the establishment plans to retrain the forklift driver to 

prevent future incidents

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6)
90 P17766 Southern 

Hens, Inc

SSN34130

45311G

11-Apr-17 Good Commercial Practices MOI: 

On April 11, 2017 @ approximately 0905 hours, I observed a less than good commercial practice while performing Ante-mortem inspection and a 

Good Commercial Practices check at Establishment P-17766. While performing a 500 bird count, I saw a live, non-stunned and uncut bird enter 

the scalder. This was the result of two birds having been hung together in one shackle. The other bird in the shackle was dead from a proper cut 

to the neck before entering the scalder. and were 

immediately notified of this finding. In accordance with FSIS Docket No. 04-037N, Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter, live poultry must 

be handled in a manner that is consistent with good commercial practices. In order for this to occur, poultry must be treated in a manner that will 

minimize excitement, discomfort and accidental injury throughout processing. A copy of this Memorandum of Interview will be sent to the 

Jackson District Office for further review. Thanks for your attention to this matter. 

Respectfully,

90 P17766 Southern 

Hens, Inc

SSN08130

45524G

24-Apr-17 Good Commercial Practices MOI:

On April 24, 2017 @ approximately 0838 hours, I observed a less than good commercial practice while performing Ante-mortem inspection and a 

Good Commercial Practices check at Establishment P-17766. While performing a 500 bird count, I saw a live, non-stunned bird enter the scalder.

The bird was flapping and attempting to right itself. As it entered and traveled half the length of the first scalder, the bird jerked violently, while 

lifting itself until it was no longer in my immediate sight. was immediately notified of this finding. In 

accordance with FSIS Docket No. 04-037N, Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter, live poultry must be handled in a manner that is consistent 

with good commercial practices. In order for this to occur, poultry must be treated in a manner that will minimize excitement, discomfort and 

accidental injury throughout processing. A copy of this Memorandum of Interview will be sent to the Jackson District Office for further review.

Thanks for your attention to this matter.

Respectfully,

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6)
60 P18414 MB 

Consultants 

LTD

JYI521104

5513G

13-Apr-17 On 4/11/2017 I observed in the area before the plucker 24 broken wings out of 500 total birds that passed by. On 4/12/2017 when I asked for the 

animal welfare guidelines they stated they didn’t have one. I discussed with the plant that broken wings are considered mistreatment and are 

more likely to result in the birds being adulterated during processing, which is not following good commercial practices. Following animal welfare 

guidelines would be more likely to result in good commercial practices than not having any guidelines at all. Mishandling birds and creating 24 

broken wings on 500 birds is not good commercial practice. Failure to follow good commercial practices could result in further regulatory action 

being taken

90 P18557 Sanderson 

Farms, Inc.

QNA2410

041527G

27-Apr-17 On April 27, 2017 at approximately 0905, observed less than Good Commercial Practices while performing an AnteMortem Inspection and Good Commercial Practices check at 18557 P in Summit, MS. While observing the kill machine of each picking line for 

proper function, I did not observe any abnormality in the equipment's operation. I walked to the end of the blood trough to observe for any live 

birds entering the scalder. I observed a single, live bird at 0905 enter the scalder on picking line #1. The bird was hanging on the shackle with its 

eyes open, still breathing, and without a cut on its neck. This bird entered the scalder alive and still breathing. I did not take any regulatory action 

with this single-bird incident, since no evidence of a system failure existed. I notified , of the observed 

nonconformance, during a brief meeting held in his office at approximately 0910. I presented the cadaver to him, explained my observation, 

informed him that a Memorandum of Information (MOI) was going to be documented, and relinquished the carcass into his control. FSIS Docket 

No. 04-037N, Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter, states that under the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) and Agency regulations, 

live poultry must be handled in a manner that is consistent with good commercial practices. In order to ensure that poultry is handled and 

slaughtered in a manner that is consistent with good commercial practices, poultry should be treated in such a manner as to minimize 

excitement, discomfort, and accidental injury throughout processing. A copy of this Memorandum of Information will be forwarded to the 

appropriate personnel in the Jackson District Office. 

Respectfully, 

cc: , and Mr. Don Coley, Jackson DDM.

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6)
15 P20251 Tecumseh 

Poultry, LLC

PBM0515

040127G

27-Apr-17 Good Commercial Practice Mistreatment MOI at Est. 20251P 

 and met with at 0815 hours on April 27, 2017 to discuss the 

mistreatment of young chickens described below: 

On April 26, 2017, at approximately 0520 hours, while performing ante-mortem inspection of birds on Organic trailer T-15, I, , 

observed several dead and dying young chickens. The young chickens were wet and the outside temperature was 38 degrees Fahrenheit with an 

18 mile per hour wind speed. I contacted the and requested more information on the trailer. 

Via E-mail, informed me that the trailer of birds was from Iowa. The trailer arrived to the establishment covered. There were 112 

DOAs and there were birds from two different lots on the trailer. 

I explained to that allowing birds the die by other means than slaughter is not consistent with GCPs. 

 will look into it and contact transportation about it. 

The meeting was adjourned at 0840 hours.

40 P34308 Sanderson 

Farms, Inc.

PHY21190

43712G

12-Apr-17 On this day, 4-12-17, at 1500, I found the following animal welfare concern. While going out back, where the live birds are dumped onto conveyer 

belt, I found where the employee dumping the birds, did not allow the previous cage of birds, get out of the way, before dumping another cage. I 

notified the employee to wait till the birds get out of the way before he dumps another cage. I notified of my finding.

80 P40183 Sanderson 

Farms, Inc.

PEH13160

43120G

20-Apr-17 On 4/20/17 at 1549 while doing a GCP check, I was standing near the entrance of the scalding tanks. On line 1 I saw a live bird with no obvious 

neck cut, and holding its head back, coming to the corner about to enter the scalder. At approximately the same time, the back- up killer stopped 

the line and removed the bird,and restarted the line. At 1550, while observing line 2, I saw another live bird, in the same condition as the 

previously mentioned bird, several birds away from entering the scalder. I was not able to get the back- up killer’s attention quick enough, and 

the bird entered the scalder. At that time I notified of the above issues and we observed birds coming out of the scalder 

on line 2 . The cadaver did appear , and it had very typical appearance with bright red skin and no neck cut, and was removed from the line by 

. 

According to 9 CFR 381.65(b) Poultry must be slaughtered in accordance with good commercial practices in a manner that will result in thorough 

bleeding of the carcasses and ensure that breathing has stopped prior to scalding. 

If this becomes a persistant finding due to loss of control of the process, A GCP noncompliance may be issued and further regulatory actions may 

result. 

At approximately 4:30 came to the USDA office and informed me that he will be monitoring the back up killer for the rest of the day, 

he had informed of the occurrence, and that he would have the appropriate documentation available in the QC 

office for verification by USDA. A copy of this MOI will be provided to the District DVMS in case further follow up is needed. 

Respectfully, 

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6)
80 P419 Case Farms 

Processing, 

Inc.

VDB53120

40005G

5-Apr-17 Establishment: 00419P 

Case Farms 

121 Rand St. 

Morganton, NC 28655 

Establishment Attendee: 

USDA Attendee: 

At approximately 12:25 on 04/05/17, the inspector on Line 1, Station 3 identified a chicken with the head intact without neck cuts indicating the 

chicken had died other than by humane slaughter. I, confirmed the chicken had not received any neck cuts. The 

carcass was condemned. 

PPIA and Agency regulations require that live poultry be handled in a manner that is consistent with good commercial practices, and that they not 

die from causes other than slaughter. I recommend management review Federal Register Notice Vol. 70, No. 187, published September 2005 

[Docket No. 04–037N] for FSIS recommendations concerning treatment of live poultry before slaughter. A copy of this federal register notice can 

be provided on request. A copy of this MOI will be forwarded to the District Office and the District Veterinary Medical Specialist (DVMS) in case 

additional follow-up is recommended.

40 P51179 Sanderson 

Farms, Inc.

00002140

44524G

24-Apr-17 On April 21, 2017 at approximately 1909 hours while performing a Good Commercial Practices task at the scalder entrance on line 2, a live bird 

was observed to enter the scalding tank. The bird’s neck was not cut; its head was up, and was still breathing as it was conveyed into the scalder. 

When the bird exited the scalder I confirmed the neck was not cut. observed the cadaver. As 

immediate corrective actions said he would counsel the responsible employee. He believed the employee was focusing too much on 

rehanging the birds that were hung by one leg and needed to focus more on ensuring all birds were slaughtered. 

It is important to treat poultry in a way that ensures they are not breathing and are properly bled out when they enter the scalder. Employing 

humane methods of handling consistent with Good Commercial Practices and 9 CFR 381.65(b) can help produce an unadulterated product. 

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6)
90 P517 Mar-Jac 

Poultry-MS

QOO0821

043003G

3-Apr-17 Mr. Jeff Monroe

Plant Manager

Mar-Jac Poultry, MS, LLC

1301 James St.

Hattiesburg, MS 39401

Mr. Monroe,

At approximately 2347 hours on April 2, 2017 while verifying the PHIS Good Commercial Practices (GCPIP) verification task, the following less than GCPIP incidences were observed at P519, 

Hattiesburg, MS. One young chicken, from an approximate 500 bird random sample subgroup, with uplifted head, pupillary reflexes, rhythmic breathing, and no cut to the neck entered the scald 

tank on the north picking line which feeds evisceration line #2. and were notified. A second 

verification from an approximate 500 bird random sample subgroup had one live young chicken with uplifted head, pupillary reflexes, rhythmic breathing, and no cut to the neck entering the scald 

tank on the north picking line at approximately 0025 hours on April 3, 2017. and were notified of the 2nd incident. A third verification from an approximate 500 bird 

random sample subgroup did not have any live bird(s) entering the scald tank at approximately 0040 hours on April 3, 2017. The first two incidences were determined to be isolated events and 

not repetitive or multiple demonstrating a trend or loss of process control. Live bird(s) entering the scald system live is a less than GCPIP and results in adulterated product. The establishment is 

responsible for ensuring that birds under their control on the official premises are treated in a humane manner that will minimize excitement, discomfort, injury and/or death by means other than 

slaughter.

A meeting was held at office at approximately 0005 hours on April 3, 2017. and were present. The incidences and measures to 

correct the less than GCPIP incidents were discussed. said he would be in communication with and the maintenance 

department. A brief meeting was held at office with and after the 2nd incident. was present during the 3rd verification and notified by 

 that the establishment was slaughtering birds in accordance with GCPIP.

As per Federal Notice Vol. 70, No. 187, Docket No. 04-037N dated September 28, 2005, "Treatment of Live Poultry Prior to Slaughter", the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) strongly 

encourages all establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry to make every effort to treat poultry humanely and abide by Good Commercial Practices (GCPs) as described in industry 

guidelines.

Respectfully,

 Canton, MS 9024

1039 W. Fulton St. 

Canton, MS 39046

cc: Mr. Perry Davis, DM

 Mr. Don Coley, DDM

 Dr. David Thompson, DDM

 Dr. Larry Davis, DDM

 

 

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6)

(b)(6)

(b)(6) (b)(6)
90 P522 Sanderson 

Farms, Inc. 

(Processing 

Div)

IKB510804

2706G

6-Apr-17 P-522

On April 6, 2017 at approximately 0515 while performing a GCP task in the Picking Room, I observed less than Good Commercial Practices. I 

observed a live bird lying on its back in a drain pan located under the picking line which runs prior to the kill machine. The bird could not right 

itself. Water from other birds hung on the picking line which had just exited the stunner cabinet and passing over the top of this bird was 

observed pouring down onto the front of this bird’s head and body. The bird was lying in water collected by the drain pan. 

, with me at the time of this observation removed the bird from the drain pan. The bird was breathing 

with open eyes and appeared lethargic and/or fatigued as there was very little movement from the bird when picked up. The Picking Room 

Supervisor placed the bird back on the picking line at a point in the process that caused the bird to re-enter the slaughter process for a second 

time. 

I discussed my observation with Kevin Montgomery, Plant Manager, and I reminded management this 

was now the third occurrence of finding birds displaced from the picking line. Two previous findings were discussed in weekly meetings with plant 

management of finding birds located at the stunner exit (one live and one dead bird). Discussions with plant management were documented in 

the weekly meeting minutes on 3-24-17 and 3-31-17. Additionally, I had a separate discussion with of my concern of allowing the 

bird to go through the entire slaughter process a second time. 

As per Federal Register Notice Docket No. 04-037N dated September 28, 2005, “Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter,” the Food Safety 

Inspection Service (FSIS) strongly encourages all establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry to make every effort to treat poultry 

humanely and abide by the Good Commercial Practices (GCs) as described by industry guidelines. 

Rspectively, 

Cc Mr. Don Coley, DDM 

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6)
90 P522 Sanderson 

Farms, Inc. 

(Processing 

Div)

IKB180704

5511G

11-Apr-17 :

On April 10, 2017 at approximately 0556 hours while performing a GCP task in the Live Hang Room, I observed less than Good Commercial Practices. When I walked into the room I noted a pile up 

of birds (these birds were not decapitated) on the slatted decapitation table that sits at the end of the live hang belt. No one was addressing the pile up of birds when I entered the room. I

observed one breathing bird lying on this table located at a point where the moving live hang belt was repeatedly striking the bird. , walked up to the 

table. He began removing the birds from the table and placing the birds on the floor. Twenty one (21) birds were removed from the table. As the birds were removed, I observed one breathing 

bird located at the bottom of the pile, lying on its back. The bird s head had falling down between the slatted bars of the decapitation table. I showed these birds to . I notified 

, and 

 of the forthcoming MOI. 

This issue has been discussed with plant management on multiple occasions. 

1. As documented in the weekly meeting dated 1-27-17, I discussed with , and on 1-23-17 at 

approximately 0535 hours, the issue of allowing birds to pile up on the slatted decapitation table next to the moving live hang belt. 

2. As documented in the weekly meeting dated 2-17-17, at approximately 0550 hours, I discussed with Mr. Gary Delancey, First Shift Plant Manager the observation at 0541 hours by 

of a pile of birds at the end of the live hang table next to the metal grate. observed one bird lying on its back trying to right itself as birds were piling on top of this bird.

She immediately notified , and lifted the bird upright. 

3. As documented in the weekly meeting dated 2-24-17, on 2-23-17 at approximately 0539 hours, I had a meeting with 

 and Mr. Gary Delancey, First Shift Plant Manger, concerning birds piling up at the end of the live hang belt. Two live birds were 

observed on their backs unable to right themselves as other birds were beginning to pile up on these birds at the end of the moving live hang belt. 

4. On 2-28-17, at 0707 hours I discussed with , and Mr. Kevin Montgomery, First Shift Plant Manger, birds piled up on the table at the end of the 

rehang belt with one bird lying on its back. stated a meeting on animal welfare would be conducted at the end of the day and promised this issue would be corrected. 

As per Federal Register Notice Docket No. 04-037N dated September 28, 2005, “Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter,” the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) strongly encourages all 

establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry to make every effort to treat poultry humanely and abide by the Good Commercial Practices (GCPs) as described by industry guidelines. 

Respectively, 

Cc Mr. Don Coley, DDM 

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25 P544 Jennie-O 

Turkey Store 

Sales

KXJ31000

44906G

6-Apr-17 P544-Jennie-O Turkey Store, Melrose, MN

4th April-03:00am: 

5th April-22:45pm 

Poultry Mistreatment Memorandum of Interview (MOI):

The following is a documentation of observations and discussions with 00544P/Jennie-O Turkey Store, Melrose, MN establishment personnel regarding the observations of two instances were live 

birds were run over by trailers in the live haul area during two nights of production, the 3rd and 4th of April 2017.

During the 1st shift on the 3rd of April 2017 at approximately 03 00am while performing a Good Commercial Practice (GCP) verification in the live haul rehang area, a trailer had just exited the live 

haul area when the live haul foreman was observed to pick-up the crushed carcass of a single turkey. The carcass was placed in a condemned barrel and denatured. I spoke with the live haul 

foreman, as the area supervisor was not available, that live birds need to be handled consistent with good commercial practices.

During the 1st shift on the 4th of April 2017 at approximately 02:45am while performing a GCP verification in the live haul rehang area, I observed truck pulling trailer 1301M exit the rehang area.

Approximately 2 feet from the outside overhead door, there was a single turkey with head lifted, wings flapping, vocalizing, and the back end was crushed. The live haul foreman performed a 

cervical dislocation of the affected bird and placed the carcass in the condemned barrel and denatured the contents. I located and 

outside of the evis department at 03:00 and spoke with them regarding the observations tonight and the previous night as not being consistent with good commercial practices, as 

the birds had died by means other than slaughter. and left to speak with the live haul foreman and crew.

On the 5th of April 2017, was observed to be speaking to the live haul foreman and monitoring the live haul area at 1st shift start-up 20:00. Discussion that day during the 22:45pm 

weekly meeting (MOI KXJ2800040806I), reported preventative measures including advising the live haul crew hangers to be notifying the area leads if birds fall. The leads are to be 

monitoring areas, watching for fallen birds, and assisting the foreman when fallen birds are identified. Birds are to be retrieved at the time of identification. The live haul foreman is to be 

illuminating the areas with flashlight and assisting the leads with retrieving birds before the trucks move.

I notified and that this MOI would be forwarded to the District Office and to the and should the need 

for follow-up be recommended.

Respectfully,

 P544-Jennie-O Turkey Store

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40 P5787 Pilgrim's 

Pride 

Corporation

DEB05120

40805G

5-Apr-17 On April 4, 2017 at approximately 1223 while performing a Good Commercial Practices check in the live hang area, I observed a bird on line 

that had been hung in the shackle by both legs and its head. The plant employee immediately stopped the line and the bird was removed. The 

bird’s neck was bleeding and it was dead. This bird had died by means other than slaughter. During this Good Commercial Practices check I also 

observed 2 birds had been hung by both legs in one shackle and another bird hung by one leg.

 When I located , I informed him about the bird I had observed that was hung by its head/neck as well as by both 

feet resulting in the bird dying by means other than slaughter. Hanging any chicken by its head/neck is not appropriate and USDA takes the 

humane handling of the chickens very seriously. 

 told me they were training about 4 new hires in the live hang area and would go back there to see that they were moved 

to a part of the line where more supervision would be given to their proper hanging of the birds. He assured me that he would make sure they all 

understood that hanging any of the birds by the head will not be tolerated. This is a reminder that any mistreatment of birds during processing is 

a major non-conformance. A copy of this MOI will be forwarded to and 

in the Dallas District Office and . 

Sales, Inc.

UIO55120

44725G

25-Apr-17 At approximately 0530 hours on April 20, 2017, I spoke with regarding information that 

 told me. She told me that at approximately 0510 hours, she arrived in Live Hang to see live hang employees cutting the necks 

of birds coming out of the CO2 tunnel and putting them in the DOA bin. I asked how he ensured these birds were dead in the tank and 

he said he couldn’t verify this information. 

I spoke with Plant Manager Jody Long that day and the following day (April 21, 2017 during the 1030 weekly meeting). Mr. Long looked into the 

issue and told me that he looked at the video of the area and birds whose necks were cut were obviously stiff and in rigor mortis. 

I looked at the video with Mr. Long and on April 25, 2017 at approximately 0940 hours. The birds who were obviously stiff and not 

moving were put in the DOA bin after a neck cut. A conscious bird came out of the conveyer who was sitting upright and occasionally flapping its 

wings. We saw an employee reach for it with his knife and withdraw his knife without cutting the bird. said that was when she entered 

the area. Mr. Long said that employees know not to cut conscious birds. The conscious bird was shackled and sent to the electric stunner, to be 

slaughtered as the birds usually are.

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80 P764 Perdue 

Foods, LLC

CUA40130

42910G

10-Apr-17 At 1057, while touring the picking room, I was observing birds enter the scalder and noticed a bird with its head flexed towards me. This is 

abnormal, as all of the other birds (that had been cut and bled out properly) had their heads and necks fully extended and dangling freely. There 

was no obvious neck cut; however, the cut would have been on the side furthest away from me and I cannot be absolutely certain there was no 

cut. I was able to briefly touch this bird's head and it looked at me consciously and applied some resistance to my touch before it then entered 

the scalder. I had no time to intervene. I immediately notified and , who were nearby.

At 1405, I had a meeting with and . We 

discussed the above incident. They told me they will do retraining of the backup killers and other receiving team employees.

85 P855 Pilgrim's 

Pride 

Corporation

FDA53230

43327G

27-Apr-17 Est. P855, Pilgrims Corporation, USDA Office, April 27, 2017, 10:47 PM. 

 In attendance , Mr. Philip Mayer, Night Shift Area Manager, 

On 4/27/17 at approximately 2:30 AM during the performance of a routine SPS task I observed a pile of commingled live and dead birds at the doorway to the live hang room on 

the L1 side, piled several birds high and approximately 6x6 feet in area. It did not appear the live birds were being smothered or suffocated, although they were unable to move around freely. 

 was picking up and throwing away dead birds. I left and attempted to find to notify her of the situation. I was unable to locate her and decided to check 

the L2 side of the live hang room. At approximately 2:40, observed birds being piled too high in the dumper cages, to the extent that birds were nearly touching the top of the cages. She 

informed of this and at that time observed the pile of birds on the floor on live hang Line 1. She left to inform Phillip Mayer of this Good Commercial Practice violation. At 

approximately 2:41 AM I observed another much more extensive pile of commingled live and dead birds on the Line 2 side of the live hang area, several birds high and extending from the wall on 

the right all the way to the entrance to the door. I observed breathing live birds in the pile underneath dead birds. Their breathing appeared labored and difficult. While I did not observe 

suffocated cyanotic birds, the amount of dead birds in the pile was so excessive as to create the potential conditions that lend themselves to smothering and/or suffocation. There were no 

establishment employees picking up birds on this side. At 2:42 AM I took immediate regulatory control action and informed that they would need to stop hanging on Line 2 until 

the situation was corrected and the birds were picked up off of the floor. Hanging was stopped and live birds were sorted from dead birds, which were thrown away. I observed incidents in which 

two undersized birds were picked up from above, being grabbed over the wings and neck area with a single hand instead of by the leg and then tossed onto the belt. I informed Night Shift 

Manager Philip Mayer of these incidents at this time. Once the birds were picked up off the floor and humane conditions restored I released the line at approximately 2:47 AM. 

Inspection stated that while was in the process of picking up the dead birds, the fact that the birds were piled up to the point of commingling dead and live birds is an indicator that the 

process is out of control. Employing humane methods of handling consistent with Good Commercial Practice can help produce unadulterated product. 

Plant Response

Philip Mayer stated that while they want to keep the lines full, humane handling procedures and good commercial practices are a priority. He stated that there is usually a person assigned to pick 

dead birds off the floor but they have had issues with staffing. has been instructed that when shorthanded hangers should be pulled off of the line to pick up 

dead birds. The proposed corrective action is to add an additional responsibility to the SSOP for live hangers. Live hangers already rotate positions on the hanging line every , wherein 

the first hanger on the line rotates to the last position. The proposed modification for the SSOP would add a responsibility to pick up dead birds off of the floor during the rotation before returning 

to the line. This modification will require corporate approval to become formalized but the establishment has already implemented this procedure within the live hang department. 

With regard to the mishandling of the undersized birds, Mr. Mayer stated that he did not believe that the birds were being mishandled, as they were not grabbed by the wings or necks 

themselves. He made available the Pilgrims Corporation Animal Welfare Procedures Training, 2016 Revision.

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80 P9197 Perdue 

Foods, LLC. 

Woodville, 

NC Plant

UAB59120

43612G

12-Apr-17 At approximately 0845 hours while performing Good Commercial Practices (GCPs) with ; in the live hang room we observed an 

establishment’s associate throw one live bird from the floor onto the incoming conveyor belt. Unfortunately, I was unable to stop the employee 

from throwing the bird; however I discussed with the associate not to throw birds onto the conveyor belt. I was unable to determine if the bird 

suffered any ill effects. I notified and of the issue. counseled the 

employee on humanely handling birds according to the establishment’s poultry welfare procedures. At approximately 1030 hours, 

 performed a follow-up GCPs task and she observed an establishment’s associate pick up ten live birds and properly placed them on the 

conveyor belt.

A copy of this compliant has been sent to the and 

80 P935 Allen Harim 

Foods, LLC.

YXA55160

43613G

13-Apr-17 At approximately 1437 hours inspection personnel on line 1, station 2 and station 3 notified me that they held back 1 carcass each for final disposition. Upon examination I observed the skin and 

neck of both carcasses to be cherry red and petechiation of the breast muscles. The carcasses were condemned and documented as cadavers. was notified 

and observed the cadavers. had establishment personnel make adjustments to the kill blade.

 At approximately 1600 hours while traveling to line 1, to provide inspection breaks, the inspector at station 2 notified me of 2 carcasses and the inspector at station 3 notified me of 1 carcass 

being held for final disposition. Upon Examination I observed the skin and neck of the 3 carcasses to be cherry red and petechiation of the breast muscles. The carcasses were condemned and 

documented as cadavers.

 At approximately 1650 hours the inspectors on line 1, station 2 and station 3 notified me of 2 additional carcasses (1 at each station) being held for final disposition. Upon examination I observed 

the skin and neck to be cherry red and petechiation of the breast muscles of both carcasses. These carcasses were condemned and documented as cadavers. I then went to the kill line to 

investigate further. The establishment s back-up kill employee on the large bird line was having trouble keeping up with the number of birds that were missing the kill blade. I then traveled 

further down the kill line where an additional back-up kill employee is usually stationed however; there was no employee in place. As I was observing the birds moving down the line, I observed 1 

bird with its head raised and eyes blinking, which had missed the kill blade and the back-up kill employee had also failed to exsanguinate the bird.

appeared beside me and I showed him the live bird traveling toward the scalders. and I went to the entrance of the scalder. When the live bird 

appeared attempted to remove the bird but was unable to unseat its legs from the shackles called over the radio for the line to be stopped however the live bird was 

partially submerged into the scalder as the line stopped. removed the bird from the line plus an additional live bird (head raised, eyes open and blinking and no cut to the neck) that 

had not entered the scalder.

I notified and of the cadavers observed at post mortem inspection and the observation of a live bird entering the scalder. In 

response, management replaced the back-up kill personnel and added an extra back-up kill employee to the large bird kill line.

 At approximately 1800 hours (start of lunch break), inspection personnel on line 1, station 2 and station 4 notified me that they held back 1 carcass each for final disposition. Upon Examination I 

observed the skin and neck of the station 2 carcass to be cherry red and the carcass at station 4 body, neck and head were cherry red with no cut to the neck. These 2 cadavers were identified 

during the time that establishment management was initiating corrective measure for the live bird entering the scalder. 

 At approximately 1900 hours I returned to the kill line and verified that the corrective measure was in place. No live birds were observed entering the scalder.

 It is recommended that establishment management review the Federal Register on “Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter”, published September 2005 for FSIS recommendations 

concerning treatment of live poultry prior to slaughter. I notified that this MOI will be forwarded to the District Office and the District Veterinary Medical 

Specialist (DVMS) in case additional follow-up is recommended.

Respectfully,

Allen Harim Foods, P-935

Harbeson, DE. 19951

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80 P935 Allen Harim 

Foods, LLC.

YXA18170

43114G

14-Apr-17 At approximately 2145 hours while performing Good Commercial Practice (GCP) verification I observed a live hang employee, on the small bird 

live hang line, pick a live bird up, hold the bird with one hand by the hips and throw it toward a shackle. The bird's right hock landed in the 

shackle while the left hock and leg remained dangling. was notified of the mistreatment of the 

live bird during shackling. The live hang employee was immediately removed from the live hang area. stated that the employee was 

disciplined and all live hang employees will be re-trained on humane handling. 

 It is recommended that establishment management review the Federal Register (attached) on “Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter”, 

published September 2005 for FSIS recommendations concerning treatment of live poultry prior to slaughter. I notified 

 that this MOI will be forwarded to the District Office and the District Veterinary Medical Specialist (DVMS) in case additional follow-up is 

recommended. 

 Respectfully, 

 Allen Harim Foods, P-935

 Harbeson, DE. 19951

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80 P1201 Pilgrims Pride 

Corporation

JAB0111061310G 10-Jun-17 At 1144 hours, while performing a GCP task on Saturday, I ) observed the plant employee make an attempt to retrieve a live bird from a cage rack. The employee 

was standing at the DOA observation station when I noticed him go with urgency to automatic loading area for the cage wash. He was unable to stop the cage from entering washer or retrieve the 

live bird. The live bird was retrieved from the cage after passing through the washer (water temperature unknown) and placed on the CO2 conveyer chamber for slaughter. I discussed this 

occurrence with and assured me the incident will be addressed. On Monday (6/12/2017) at 0605 hours, informed me of 

documentation the employee was retrained and how to proceed if a bird is observed in cage rack entering the washer. 

A copy of this MOI and your response will be forwarded to the District Office and the District Veterinary Medical Specialist (DVMS) in case additional follow-up is recommended.

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85 P1272 Pilgrim's Pride 

Corporation

CCA3403060014

G

14-Jun-17 Mark Dean, Plant Manager 

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation P-1272 

113 McNeal Drive Douglas, GA 31533 

On Friday, June 9, 2017 at approximately 0834 hours while performing a Good Commercial Practices Task at P-1272 I, observed an issue with the implementation of Good 

Commercial Practices in the evisceration area. I observed and pulled from the line one cadaver bird during inspection on line number one at station number three. The cadaver was observed with an 

engorged head intact with the neck to which there was no cut visible. I immediately notified and . I held the cadaver at the PHV hold rack at 

the station to show both supervisors. stated he would place a second person to assist the current backup killer on line one. During verification of this corrective action, it was later 

observed that instead switched backup killers instead of placing two people at this position. No other live birds were observed entering the scald vat alive. 

This issue will be discussed with management at the next USDA weekly meeting on June 15, 2017. There was no immediate response given by establishment management. 

Respectfully, 

85 P1272 Pilgrim's Pride 

Corporation

CCA4206063216

G

16-Jun-17 Mark Dean, Plant Manager 

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation P-1272 

113 McNeal Drive Douglas, GA 31533 

On Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at approximately 0840 hours while performing a Good Commercial Practices Task at P-1272 I, observed an issue with the implementation of 

Good Commercial Practices in the evisceration area. I observed and pulled from the processing line one cadaver bird on line number two at the rehang table. The cadaver was observed with an 

engorged head intact with the neck to which there was no cut visible. I immediately notified who observed the bird shortly after the occurrence. Plant 

Manager, Mark Dean was notified and observed the bird shortly thereafter. 

At approximately 0842 hours while still performing a Good Commercial Practices Task in the pre-evisceration area, I again observed a live bird enter the first scald vat on line number two. I 

immediately notified . The bird was removed from the line after exiting scald vat number two. We both observed an engorged head and that there was no 

cut to the neck of the bird. and were also notified shortly thereafter. 

For both instances, stated that two employees will be placed at the position of backup killer on line two for the remainder of the shift. No other live birds were observed entering the 

scald vat alive. 

This issue will be discussed with management at the next USDA weekly meeting on June 15, 2017. There was no immediate response given by establishment management. 

Respectfully, 

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85 P1272 Pilgrim's Pride 

Corporation

CCA2206064320

G

20-Jun-17 Mark Dean, Plant Manager 

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation P-1272 

113 McNeal Drive Douglas, GA 31533 

On Friday, June 16, 2017 at approximately 1105 hours while performing a Good Commercial Practices Task at P-1272 I , observed an issue with the implementation of Good 

Commercial Practices in the pre-evisceration area. I observed one live bird enter the scald vat on line number two alive. The bird was observed alive and blinking its eyes prior to entry into the scald 

vat. I immediately notified . We both observed the cadaver upon exit from scald vat number two. removed the bird at this point before entering 

scald vat number three. The cadaver was observed with an engorged head intact with the neck to which there was no cut visible. First shift plant manager, Demaricus Green was notified and shown 

the cadaver shortly thereafter. Mr. Green stated he would replace the current backup killer on line two to allow for further re-training of the employee and if placed back in the position of backup 

killer there would always be a second person with him. No other live birds were observed entering the scald vat alive. 

This is the fourth bird in one week to be observed entering a scald vat alive at this establishment. Those corrective actions which have been stated and used thus far may not be sufficient to prevent 

reoccurrences of this nature. This issue will be discussed with management at the next USDA weekly meeting on June 20, 2017. There was no immediate response given by establishment 

management. 

Respectfully, 

85 P1272 Pilgrim's Pride 

Corporation

CCA4206064620

G

20-Jun-17 Mark Dean, Plant Manager 

Pilgrim's Pride Corporation P-1272 

113 McNeal Drive Douglas, GA 31533 

On Monday, June 19, 2017 at approximately 1042 hours while performing a Good Commercial Practices Task at P-1272 I, , observed an issue with the implementation of Good 

Commercial Practices in the pre-evisceration area. I observed one live bird enter the scald vat on line number two alive. The bird was observed alive and blinking its eyes prior to entry into the scald 

vat. I immediately notified and . We all observed the cadaver upon exit from scald vat number two. removed 

the bird at this point before entering scald vat number three. The cadaver was observed with an engorged head intact with the neck to which there was no cut visible. stated he would 

add another backup killer on line two for the remainder of the shift. No other live birds were observed entering the scald vat alive. 

This is the fifth bird in approximately one week to be observed entering a scald vat alive at this establishment. Those corrective actions which have been stated and used thus far may not be sufficient 

to prevent reoccurrences of this nature. This issue will be discussed with management at the next USDA weekly meeting on June 20, 2017. There was no immediate response given by establishment 

management. 

Respectfully, 

35 P1362 Tyson Foods, Inc. LPC1609062809G 9-Jun-17 On June 8, 2017, at approximately 09 20 hours, and , met with 

The following is a synopsis of the events and discussion regarding GCP related issues. I began that while verifying that poultry was slaughtered in accordance with good commercial practice, I 

observed approximately 25 carcasses on the floor behind Line 1 live hang that were dead on arrival. I observed live hangers discarding several carcasses from the Line 1 live hang belt to the floor. I 

continued my GCP verification. While observing the poultry in the receiving shed, I observed several modules on several trailers in which the green plastic liner on the bottom layer of the module 

was displaced upwards limiting the space in which the birds could move freely. Some of these liners were displaced upwards in which there was only about 4 inches between the bottom of the next 

module and the liner of the lower module. I also observed a module in which there was a hole approximately 6-8 inches long and 4 inches tall in which birds could easily fall out or escape. Lastly, I 

observed a cage with a 4 inch piece of the module had been dislodged and was bent inside the cage where it could easily impale the bird. At approximately, 09 20 hours while returning from the 

receiving shed, I located and and informed them of his observations. I inquired about the cause of the large number of DOAs. informed me that 

these were due to holdovers from nightshift. I inquired about whether the establishment scheduled these holdovers to be slaughtered first. informed me that they did. I inquired 

about if the holdovers should be finished by this point and thought they were after consulting with . 

It should be noted that NR number LPC1219064002N dated June 1st was issued due to DOA at the inspection station. Furthermore, DOAs presenting at inspection stations have been a developing 

trend discussed in the weekly meeting. In addition, cages being in disrepair were also most recently noted in the weekly meetings April 13th. There was no response by the establishment. MOI 

LPC1809025307G was issued on February 7th for similar instances of cages in disrepair. 

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 09 30 hours.

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40 P165H OK 

FoodsProcessing 

Plant

DAF1314065203

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3-Jun-17 6-3-17 

OK Foods, Inc.

 PO Box 158

 1000 Old Pike Road

 Heavener, OK 74937 

At approximately 0659 on 6/3/17, while observing cages being dumped as part of a good commercial practice task, I observed a chicken resting between the incoming track and the exit track of the 

cage dumper. The employee operating the cage dumper continued to dump chickens as the bird squatted between the tracks. Incoming cages passed the chicken on one side and outgoing cages 

passed the chicken on the other side. The chicken became excited as the doors of an exiting cage were closed and the chicken moved onto the track in front of the cage. The chicken was then 

pushed along in front of the cage until the point that it became crushed between the cage and the end stop plate at the exit end of the cage dumper track. I immediately notified 

 of my observation and discussed the incident at approximately 0850 with . Later in the shift I discussed the incident again with 

She informed me that the employee operating the cage dumper was unaware that a chicken was on the equipment because he was unable to see it from his vantage point. I explained that the 

establishment may need to consider placing a mirror on the cage dumper so the employee can visualize this area.

35 P165S OK Foods, Inc. LWA2219064121

G

21-Jun-17 On 6/21/2017 at about 1645 hours I had gone out to the hanging dock to complete a GCP task. I saw cages of birds on the line ready to go to the dumper. There were two cages in the hypobaric 

chamber and two cages sitting on the end of the line sitting in the sun. 

At about 1715 hours I noticed that birds were being dumped into the hopper ready to go into the live hang area. Two cages of birds were dumped into the hopper and another was ready to be 

dumped on top of those. The birds were stacked two deep in the hopper causing them to stand on top of each other. The misters were not on and the birds were noticeably in distress. I called 

 up to the top of the stairs so that he could see what was happening. I told him that the birds were stacked two deep in the hopper and there were no misters on. He told me that he would 

get maintenance to get a hose and fix the misters. The birds were in the hopper five minutes before hanging started. 

When I went inside the hanging room I saw that there were several DOAs being thrown away from the birds that had been sitting in the hopper. I counted about 30 DOAs. I told about 

what I had seen before start up and informed him that the birds could not be piled so high in the hopper. He said that he would take care of the situation. 

I also told of my concerns about the birds in the cages sitting on the line in the sun during break. They do not have misters nor fans and the sun it shining directly on the cages. He said that 

from now on he would make sure the lines are clear when they go to break so that birds are not left in the sun. 

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90 P18557 Sanderson Farms, 

Inc.

QNA0112061222

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22-Jun-17 On June 22, 2017 at approximately 1041 while performing a GCP task in the observed less than Good Commercial Practices. A weak, moribund bird 

was observed lying in the vat of DOA birds located in the live receiving/cage dumper area. The bird had a very shallow and labored respiratory movement. I immediately stopped the employee from 

throwing more DOAs into the vat. This action could have led to smothering the debilitated bird with the additional weight, since the bird could not right itself and escape. He removed the live bird, 

before any more DOAs were deposited into the vat, and replaced it on the hanging belt. I discussed the incident with at about 1056, in an effort to prevent 

future incidents. As per Federal Register Notice Docket No. 04-037N Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter, states that under the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) and Agency regulations, 

live poultry must be handled in a manner that is consistent with good commercial practices. In order to ensure that poultry is handled and slaughtered in a manner that is consistent with good 

commercial practices, poultry should be treated in such a manner as to minimize excitement, discomfort, and accidental injury throughout processing.

A copy of this Memorandum of Information will be forwarded to the appropriate personnel in the Jackson District Office.

Respectfully, 

cc , and Mr. Don Coley, Jackson DDM

15 P20251 Tecumseh Poultry, 

LLC

PBM5612065428

G

28-Jun-17 On 27 June 2017 at 1315 hours, USDA FSIS met with VP Operations Mr. Erik Monson and upon request from the 

establishment. 

The establishment does not believe that the birds with red skin and red muscle being condemned are cadavers. They had a similar issue back in 2013. By meeting with the current USDA FSIS 

inspection team, they hope we can come to a consensus. 

The establishment used the description of a cadaver from the Compliance Guideline for Training Establishment Carcass Sorters in the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS) Food Safety and Inspection 

Service U.S. Department of Agriculture, September 2014, which states 

“A cadaver is a generalized condition that causes the carcass and viscera to be unwholesome and unfit for human food. Cadavers are any birds that did not bleed out properly due to a poor or missed 

cut of the neck veins before the bird entered the scalder. The heat of the scalder causes blood left in the carcass to expand into the skin blood vessels, giving the skin of the carcass and neck a cherry 

red to purple color. The blood also accumulates in the dependent (lower) regions, such as the necks, wings, and upper breast area. Some cadavers may appear red all over; others will appear red 

only in the lower regions of the carcass. The blood vessels in the viscera will appear enlarged and the liver may appear burgundy colored. The entire carcass and viscera of cadavers are 

unwholesome and must be disposed of properly to ensure that they are not used as human food.” 

It also states what the establishment sorter is to look for 

“cherry red to purple color of whole carcass or the lower regions of the carcass; 

sometimes, just the neck will appear cherry red or purple color;

may be no cut on the neck, or may be only partially cut; and

blood vessels in the viscera may appear engorged (filled up with blood)” 

The establishment wanted to know if IPP are looking at the livers before condemning the birds as cadavers. Unfortunately by the time the carcasses arrives to the Carcass Inspection Station, there 

are no livers to examine and the IPP can only go by the skin, muscle and what they can see inside the cavity. But, I, was able to examine the lot at the Leukosis station and noticed that a 

large number of the birds have congested livers and ascites. asked if the condition of the birds were due to their system. I replied “No, but the condition of the birds and your system 

can cause cadavers. This is why birds need to be placed on the line in a timely manner so they can go through the kill machine and bleed out.” 

The establishment doesn’t understand why IPP are looking at the breast muscle since they have no documentation on looking at the breast meat to disposition a carcass. They request to have some 

of the birds submitted for pathology. They will also share the documents they have from 2013 to the USDA FSIS. 

USDA FSIS agreed to submit pathology samples from carcasses that are condemned as cadavers and will review the documents the establishment has on the matter. Once all the information is 

review and pathology results received, the establishment and USDA FSIS will meet again on this matter. The meeting was adjourned.

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15 P20251 Tecumseh Poultry, 

LLC

PBM3017061329

G

29-Jun-17 On 28 June 2017 at approximately 0815 hours, I , meet with to discuss the Good Commercial Practice mistreatment 

observed earlier that morning. 

On 28 June 2017 at 0759 hours while performing ante-mortem inspection in the South loafing shed, trailer T325 had six loose young chickens on it. The top module at the second level from the top 

had a broken door which was hanging down and pinned between the trailer’s support post and the module. The Scale House employee was notified. And, the birds were caught and placed into 

another module without harm or added stress. The employee informed me that a plastic door would be placed in front of the opening to prevent the remaining chickens from falling out and the 

trailer would be unloaded first for that lot. 

As I continued ante-mortem inspection on trailer T325, 529 and T796, I observed a large number of dripping wet young birds. During the time the trailers were being transported uncovered to the 

establishment, there were thunderstorms in the area. The small young chickens (under 3 pounds) were dead or very lethargic and pale in color. 

The young chickens were from Lot Number 4308179, Total Head 38296, Total DOAs 178 (24, 36 and 9 DOAs were on the three trailers). 

The Poultry Products Inspection Act and Agency regulations (9 CFR 381.65(b)) require that live poultry be handled in a manner that is consistent with good commercial practices (GCPs). Compliance 

with GCPs increases the likelihood of producing unadulterated product. Poultry are to be handled in a manner that prevents needless injury and suffering in order to produce a commercially 

marketable product. Establishment management may review Federal Register notice “Treatment of Live Poultry Before Slaughter”, 70 Fed. Reg. 56624 (September 28, 2005) for FSIS 

recommendations concerning the treatment of live poultry before slaughter. 

This MOI will be forwarded to the District Office and the District Veterinary Medical Specialist (DVMS) in case additional follow-up is recommended. 

Respectfully, 

Establishment P20251

85 P2632 Pilgrims Pride 

Corporation

GAA1412061808

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8-Jun-17 P-2632 Pilgrim’s Pride, Regulation 381.65b. 1120 hours On Tuesday June 6, 2017 at 11 20 I, , in the course of performing the daily Good Commercial Practices task, I observed the 

birds being transported from the Line 1 cage dump to the live hang area. On the right side of the cage dump conveyor belt, I observed two birds that had gotten their heads trapped between the belt 

and the metal guards that is designed to prevent this occurrence. At the time I observed this, both birds were dead and the other birds on the belt were traveling across the carcasses. I immediately 

requested that the conveyor be halted and contacted . He has the two carcasses removed and made installed a temporary barrier to allow the process to continue until 

the end of 1st shift. At the end of the shift, permanent repairs were made and the problem appears to have been satisfactorily corrected. I consider this to be unacceptable since the birds appeared 

to have died in a manner other than slaughter and the fact that this potential point of birds becoming entrapped was brought to the establishment’s attention during a weekly HACCP meeting on 

April 26, 2017. Maintenance had ample opportunity to make the alteration to prevent the incident I observed on June 6, 2017.

Please respond in writing no later than Wednesday June 14, 2017.

40 P34308 Sanderson Farms, 

Inc.

PHY2116065309

G

9-Jun-17 On May 9, 2017 I along with observed the following in Live hang.

While perfroming a good commercial practice task I observed a live hang personnel attempt to hand off bird to the live hang supervisor. The supervisor was unaware of the employee, so the 

employee threw the bird to the supervisor and the bird landed on its head. The bird was alive and breathing rapidly. I informed the supervisor of the observation. I informed him and 

 that the observation would be documented. 

As stated in 9 CFR 381.65(b) “the establishment is not following good commercial practices"

under the PPIA and Agency regulations, live poultry must be handled in a manner that is consistent with good commercial practices, which means they should be treated humanely. Although there is 

no specific federal humane handling and slaughter statute for poultry, under the PPIA, poultry products are more likely to be adulterated if they are produced from birds that have not been treated 

humanely, because such birds are more likely to be bruised or to die other than by slaughter. 

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40 P34308 Sanderson Farms, 

Inc.

PHY3420065912

G

12-Jun-17 On Monday June 12, 2017 I was walking to the live receiving holding area and I observed one bay staged with two trailers of chickens. I observed the first trailer to the right, it was closest to the fans 

and the mist. The chickens located in that trailer seem somewhat comfortable only a minor few were panting. Then I observed the trailer on the left and I observed numerous chickens panting, 

some were flapping there wings in an attempt to cool down. The trailer on the left was not able to benefit from the fans or the mist due to the trailer on the right blocking them. After leaving the 

area I observed the process at the kill line and I observed the backup cut employees removing an excessive amount of Dead on Arrival (DOA) birds from the line. I verbally notified 

 and was informed that the observation would be documented. 

25 P34668 Simply Essentials 

Poultry, LLC

0005011064713G 13-Jun-17 6-12-17 

Stressed birds/DOAs 

At approximately 7 00 on June 12 in the holding shed for Establishment P34668, I observed the following conditions four of six outward exhaust fans on the side of the building were operating, and 

of the four “walls” of fans along the docks within the shed, one wall had four of twelve fans operating; the other 3 walls had zero fans operating. The fans on the opposite (airflow inward) side of the 

structure were also non-functional. The fans that were running were the only ones that were hooked up to a power source. No misters were installed. A maintenance man who was filling the 

generators powering the fans said that no birds were held overnight and the fans are turned on as soon as birds start showing up in the early morning hours. 

At 7 00 it was not too hot in the shed with all of the bay doors open, but there was a distinct temperature/airflow difference in the cages directly next to operating fans and those that had a wall of 

cages blocking the breeze. Additionally, at this time there was still an open bay – if the shed was full, the bay doors closed, or the temperatures higher (as they were predicted to be for much of the 

week), I anticipate that the shed could rapidly become dangerously hot. 

In the CO2 stunning area, there were three of five fans along the wall running, two bay doors open, and a large industrial fan opposite the room from the other fans to move air, but it was 

nonetheless very warm. When I was in the area at 10 45, many of the birds on the truck were panting, and by the time the last of the birds were being unloaded at approximately 13 00, nearly all of 

the birds were panting/visibly stressed. 

There were ten trucks from one lot presented today. The numbers of deads from each load are as follows, with the first trucks arriving earliest (first truck approximately 4 00 in stunning area, last 

truck approximately 13 00) 

Truck # 	 

Deads 

1 	 

5 

2 	 

18 

3 	 

19 

4 	 

30 

5 	 

41 

6 	 

87 

7 	 

244 

8 	 

179 

9 	 

361 

10 	 

389 

The issue of adverse environmental conditions resulting in DOAs has been raised in two previous MOIs and at the most recent weekly meeting. In fact, the establishment acknowledged in response 

to the 5-19-17 MOI that the non-functional fans were a contributing cause to a high mortality day; that response also stated that the fans would be hooked up promptly. 

It is unacceptable for birds to be held in stifling heat due to a longstanding lack of preparation for what are predictable weather conditions in this part of the country. 

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80 P40183 Sanderson Farms, 

Inc.

PEH2912062805

G

5-Jun-17 Establishment P40183, Sanderson Farms, June 2, 2017, 0855 hours. In attendance and

This Memorandum of Interview (MOI) is issued for the following potential mistreatment of a live bird in Live Haul; on June 2, 2017 at approximately 0845 hours while performing Poultry Good 

Commercial Practices Task accompanied by between the offall and the truck yard, we observed one live bird inside the USDA Condemned yellow barrel; a Mighty Foam tag was 

attached to the handle of the USDA barrel. stayed with the bird while I went to Evisceration Office to notify and discuss the issue with notified of 

the issue and we all met at the offall. We discussed the issue and asked ; how this bird got inside the USDA Condemned barrel, why is sanitation using USDA Condemned barrel to 

clean up, and what are you going to do with the bird? He stated that he will find out how the bird got inside the USDA barrel and he is going to asked sanitation about why are they using USDA barrel 

for cleaning purposes. After the discussion with management they decided to sacrifice the bird, at approximately 0900 hours disarticulated the chicken’s neck in presence 

of USDA and once all movement ceased the establishment elected to condemn the bird.

80 P40183 Sanderson Farms, 

Inc.

PEH5207063521

G

21-Jun-17 Establishment P40183, Sanderson Farms, June 16, 2017, 0930 hours. In attendance and 

This Memorandum of Interview (MOI) is issued for the following potential mistreatment of live birds in Live Haul; on June 16, 2017 at approximately 0556 hours while performing Poultry Good 

Commercial Practices Task inside the offall building, I observed two live birds inside the USDA Condemned yellow barrel. I notified and discussed the issue with . After the discussion with 

he decided to sacrifice both birds, at approximately 0615 hours cut the chicken necks with a knife in presence of USDA and once all movement ceased the establishment 

elected to condemn the birds. At approximately 0930 hours, discussed the issue with since is not the first time that this happened. stated that he will get 

with sanitation to ask them, where exactly these birds are being found to try and pin point where the birds are being left. also stated that he would get with sanitation to discuss what 

they are going to do with the chickens when found during sanitation.

80 P419 Case Farms 

Processing, Inc.

VDB0502063922

G

22-Jun-17 Est. P419, Case Farms, 6/22/2017, approximately 0119 hrs. Present Mr. Robertson, Assistant Plant Manager, , D 

 and . 

At approximately 0115 hrs after administering relief breaks, and observed on the transfer belt a red bird with its head still attached. Upon closer examination, there 

was no cut mark on the neck indicating that the bird died by means other than slaughter. This was brought to the attention of who called M

Mr. John Robertson entered in to the discussion between the establishment and USDA. The back-up killer was replaced with another back-up killer. No other 

cadavers were observed on the line, indicating this was an isolated incident and the situation was under control. A similar incident occurred around 5/16/2017. 

This MOI will be forwarded to the District Office and the District Veterinary Medical Specialist in case additional follow-up is recommended. A copy of Federal Register Notice Vol. 70, No.187, 

published September 2005 [Docket No. 04-037N] was provided.

25 P425 Northern Pride, 

Inc.

MYG0806061627

G

27-Jun-17 P425 Northern Pride, Inc 

13 10 hours Plant Manager Warren Leighton,

On Monday June 26, 2017 at approximately 13 04 hours while performing Good Commercial Practices Verification, I observed a bird on the line that had passed the blood tunnel and was headed to 

the scalder. The bird was rhythmically breathing. The bird’s eyes were closed and the bird was not moving its head or neck. I stopped the picking line, and removed 

the breathing, unconscious bird from the line. At this time it was observed that the bird did have a cut on the neck, and there was a large blood clot that had formed cranially to the sticking 

laceration. Establishment employee Jene Lenhart took the bird to the sticking area where the bird’s jugular vein was cut a second time. The bird continued to breathe from the time of removal on 

the line past the time of the second stick, which was estimated to be a total of approximately 60 seconds. The bird expired approximately 3-4 seconds after the second sick was administered. 

At approximately 13 10 hours I discussed the above observations with Plant Manager Warren Leighton. I expressed concern that the bird, although unconscious, was breathing rhythmically for quite 

a length of time after removal from the line. From the location where birds are observed for signs of consciousness and rhythmic breathing to entering the scalder is approximately 50 seconds. It is 

quite possible that this bird, if gone unnoticed, would have died by drowning in the scalder. 

I advised Manager Leighton that an MOI would be written and forwarded to the District Office for the and , to review and they will contact 

us should additional follow-up be needed. 

Respectfully, 

, OFO FSIS

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80 P45910 SANDERSON 

FARMS, INC

0002710063412G 12-Jun-17 This MOI is to document the meeting held on June 12, 2017, at 11 00 am, between Mr. Dane Beall, Plant Manager at Sanderson Farms, Inc. (P 45910) and , USDA FSIS. The 

meeting was held to discuss the concern that there have been four recent incidents of mistreatment of live birds at the establishment. At the times of occurrence, these incidents were brought to 

management’s attention and documented in MOI’s. Per the establishment, there have been issues with the conveyor belts and also with employee training. Raleigh District Office is aware of these 

mishandling incidents and is monitoring the situation. It is important that the management of Sanderson Farms, Inc. be proactive in ensuring that Good Commercial Practices are followed when 

handling live poultry. Continued incidents of mistreatment could lead to the issuance of a Letter of Concern.

80 P46897 IHSAN FARMS, IIC 0005808063727G 27-Jun-17 An observation was made of the live hang employees were grabbing and lifting the birds by their wings totransport them from a conveyor belt into cones (a distance of approx. 3 feet). I 

immediately intervened to prevent the chickens from being handled in this manner and establishment management instructed the employees on how to properly pick up and move the chickens. 

During the time of observation, the employees began using proper handling techniques to move the live chickens after using a translater to help them understand. I had never seen the birds handled 

in this manner prior to this date, I found the two employees were new and once they were instructed they began to do the job properly.

During this observation even though the handling was questionable no birds resulted in dying by means other than slaughter or that the handling prevented the birds from being properly bled out 

before entering the scalder. These employees behavior was discussed..

It was found that all birds were appropriately cut and appeared to have been properly bled out by the time they reached the scald tank. Also observed was that no birds were breathing when they 

entered the scalder.

40 P51179 Sanderson Farms, 

Inc.

0005714060301G 1-Jun-17 On May 31, 2017 at approximately 1732 hours while performing a Good Commercial Practices task at the scalder entrance on line 1, a live bird was observed to enter the scalding tank. The bird’s 

neck was not cut; its head was up, and was still breathing as it was conveyed into the scalder. When the bird exited the scalder I confirmed the neck was not cut. 

observed the cadaver. As immediate corrective actions to prevent ongoing bird suffering said he would discipline the responsible employee. 

It is important to treat poultry in a way that ensures they are not breathing and are properly bled out when they enter the scalder. Employing humane methods of handling consistent with Good 

Commercial Practices and 9 CFR 381.65(b) can help produce an unadulterated product.

90 P517 Mar-Jac PoultryMSQOO1514060615

G

15-Jun-17 Good Commercial Practices MOI 

On June 15, 2017 @ approximately 1034 hours, I observed a less than good commercial practice while performing an Ante-mortem and Good Commercial Practices (GCP) check at P-17766. While 

performing the GCP, I noticed that a trailer under the unloading shed had numerous birds that were breathing rapidly and gasping with outstretched necks (distressed). The outside temperature was 

82°F. The fans surrounding the bird trailers were blowing at full speed, but no misters were installed throughout the unloading shed. stated that the 

misters are only located under the holding shed. A survey of the holding shed revealed that the misters were powered on; however, they had very little output. This could only be observed when the 

fans were not powered. In the on state, there was no mist observed or felt in any house. The holding shed was free of trailers for the remainder of the day since the last truck had been transported 

to the unloading shed. was also notified of this unacceptable practice. In accordance with FSIS Docket No. 04-037N, Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter, 

live poultry must be handled in a manner that is consistent with good commercial practices. In order for this to occur, poultry must be treated in a manner that will minimize excitement, discomfort 

and accidental injury throughout processing. A copy of this Memorandum of Interview will be sent to the Jackson District Office for further review. Thanks for your attention to this matter. 

Respectfully, 

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90 P519 Wayne Farms LLC KMH4704063805

G

5-Jun-17 Mr. Craig Ballentine 

Wayne Farms, LLC 

Complex Manager 

525 Wayne Drive 

Laurel, MS 39440 

Mr. Ballentine 

At approximately 2227 hours on June 4, 2017, while verifying the PHIS Good Commercial Practices in Poultry (GCPIP) verification task at P519, Wayne Farms, LLC, Laurel, MS, the following less than 

GCPIP incident was observed. One live young hen chicken from an approximately 500 bird sample subgroup entered the first scald tank exhibiting rhythmic breathing, pupillary reflexes, uplifted 

head and no cut to the neck. Verification was made at the exit of the last picker at approximately 2230 hours. The carcass was bright red in appearance, with pooling of blood in the head, neck, and 

upper breast consistent with a cadaver. requested the cadaver be removed at rehang by a plant employee. was notified 

and observed the cadaver removed from the evisceration line. A second verification prior to the first scalder of an approximate 500 bird sample subgroup had no bird(s) entering the scalder at 

approximately 2237 hours. A visual check of the kill room evidenced the birds were being stunned properly with an occasional bird bypassing the kill machine. This was determined to be an isolated 

incident and not a loss of process control. Bird(s) entering the scalder while still breathing is not consistent with GCPIP and results in adulterated product. Establishments are responsible for birds 

entering the official premises and must employ GCPIP to prevent unnecessary suffering, injury and death. 

A meeting was held in the office of at approximately 0430 hours on June 5, 2017. , and were present. discussed the incident and 

further findings with was advised a GCPIP Memorandum of Information (MOI) would be issued to the plant. stated any forthcoming response would be made by 

. 

As per Federal Register Notice Docket 04-037N, dated September 28.2005, “Treatment of Live Poultry Prior to Slaughter”, the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) strongly encourages all 

establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry to abide by Good Commercial Practices (GCPs) as described in industry guidelines. 

Respectfully, 

, Canton, MS 39046 

1039 W. Fulton St. 

Canton, MS 39046 

Cc Mr. Perry Davis, DM 

 Mr. Don Coley, DDM 

 Dr. Larry Davis, DDM 

 Dr. David Thompson, DDM 

 

 

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90 P519 Wayne Farms LLC KMH0105064129

G

29-Jun-17 Mr. Craig Ballentine 

Wayne Farms, LLC 

Complex Manager 

525 Wayne Drive 

Laurel, MS 39440 

Mr. Ballentine, 

At approximately 2356 hours on June 28, 2017, while verifying the PHIS Good Commercial Practices in Poultry (GCPIP) verification task at P519, Wayne Farms, LLC, Laurel, MS, the following less than 

GCPIP incident was observed. One live young chicken from an approximately 500 bird sample subgroup entered the first scald tank exhibiting rhythmic breathing, pupillary reflexes, uplifted head 

and no cut to the neck. Verification was made at the exit of the last picker at approximately 0101 hours. The carcass was bright red in appearance, with pooling of blood in the head, neck, and 

upper breast consistent with a cadaver. requested the cadaver be removed at rehang by a plant employee. was notified at 

approximately 0104 hours and observed the cadaver removed from the evisceration line. A second verification prior to the first scalder of an approximate 500 bird subgroup had no bird(s) entering 

the scalder at approximately 0106 hours. A visual check of the kill room at approximately 0110 hours evidenced the birds were being stunned properly and the automatic kill machine was operating 

properly. This was determined to be an isolated incident and not a systemic loss of process control. Bird(s) entering the scalder while still breathing is not consistent with GCPIP and results in 

adulterated product. Establishments are responsible for birds entering the official premises and must employ GCPIP to prevent unnecessary suffering, injury and death. 

A meeting was held in the office of at approximately 0130 hours on June 28, 2017. , and were present.

discussed the incident and further findings with stated that a check of the stunner and kill machine by was within 

normal operating parameters. was advised a GCPIP Memorandum of Information (MOI) would be issued to the plant. stated any forthcoming response would be made by 

. 

As per Federal Register Notice Docket 04-037N, dated September 28, 2005, “Treatment of Live Poultry Prior to Slaughter”, the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) strongly encourages all 

establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry to abide by Good Commercial Practices (GCPs) as described in industry guidelines. 

Respectfully, 

, Canton, MS 39046 

1039 W. Fulton St. 

Canton, MS 39046 

cc; Dr. Larry Davis, acting DM

 Mr. Don Coley, DDM

 Dr. David Thompson, DDM 

 

 

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90 P522 Sanderson Farms, 

Inc. (Processing 

Div)

IKB5219060430G 30-Jun-17 The following less than good commercial practices were observed today at P-522, Sanderson Farms, Collins, Mississippi 

Upon entering the live hang area at approximately 1925 hours, I observed that there were 15 carcasses on the metal table at the end of the line. Within the pile of dead birds I observed one live bird 

The head of the bird was buried beneath dead birds, but the side/breast area of the bird was clearly moving in and out in a rhythmic manner as the bird breathed.

 was notified of this finding and informed that live birds buried beneath dead birds may suffocate, dying from means other than slaughter. extracted the live bird from the pile 

and hung it on the line. The bird was clearly alive as its eyes were open and it had normal muscle tone and head movement. 

This issue was discussed at second-shift weekly meetings with the establishment on 1/20/17, 2/2/17, 2/10/17, 4/7/17, 4/21/17, and 5/4/17. Additionally, Good Commercial Practice MOI's have been 

issued for this same problem on 5/25/17 (Second Shift), 4/11/17 (First Shift) and 2/2/17 (Second Shift). 

The treatment of live birds before slaughter is an important animal welfare concern. Live birds buried beneath dead birds may suffer and/or suffocate, dying by means other than slaughter. 

Establishment management is encouraged to review Federal Register Notice Docket No. 04-037N (dated September 28, 2005) for FSIS recommendations concerning treatment of live poultry before 

slaughter. Establishments are strongly encouraged to abide by Good Commercial Practices. 

The aforementioned observations were discussed today with Mr. Barry Sparks, Plant Manager. 

Respectfully, 

CC 

Mr. Don Coley, DDM

25 P529 Gold'n Plump 

Poultry, LLC

ODE2611062906

G

6-Jun-17 At approximately 1 10pm on June 5, 2017, while conducting a Good Commercial Practices Task I, , was looking in the DOA bin. I noticed that the belt that conveys everything that 

falls out of the drawers was not operating. I informed and . He stated that he had maintenance look at the belt approximately an hour before and they 

decided they would repair it after the end of production. I got a flashlight and looked into the area where the drawers were emptying out on the belt. I looked at it from the front where the belt 

empties into the DOA bin and from the top where the drawers emptied out. I noted a pile of feces and feather and soil with a live, immobile chicken on top of the pile. I asked how 

he would address live birds falling into that area and possibly getting trapped. responded that he did not know how he would address that issue. 

 called maintenance to fix the belt after removing and humanely euthanizing the live bird at approximately 1 13pm. Maintenance got the belt running again at approximately 

1 25pm. A pile approximately twelve inches deep of feces and feathers and soil fell out onto the floor. Buried within that pile of debris was approximately 6-8 chickens. All the chickens were dead 

when they came out of the pile. I could not determine if they were dead or alive when they dropped onto the pile.

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25 P529 Gold'n Plump 

Poultry, LLC

ODE2512063529

G

29-Jun-17 At approximately 1320 on June 28, 2017, while performing a Good Commercial Practices Task I noticed 17 cadavers were marked on the lot tally sheets. There were 49.017 birds scheduled to be 

slaughtered in that lot. At approximately 1325 I discussed the number of cadavers with . I asked him why there were so many cadavers and what he was going 

to do to ensure fewer cadavers. He stated that while he was working as the back-up cutter he noticed that the lot had a large variation in bird size causing the kill machine to miss a larger than usual 

amount of birds. He said when he was done working as the back-up cutter he raised the kill machine up to try and compensate for the large variation. He further stated that he would discuss a longterm plan with his manager and discuss it with me later. 

At approximately 1350 met with me in the USDA office to discuss his further plan. He stated that would send an e-mail to the live side 

operations to request that the “runt” birds be culled by the live side before being shipped to the plant. He also stated that when he notices a large variation in bird size, and staffing is available, he 

will station two back-up cutters after the kill machine. 

A similar situation with increased cadavers on two days was discussed during the USDA weekly meeting on June 6, 2017. This discussion was documented in the MOI for that meeting. The cause was 

attributed to lack of employee training for these two days.

90 P559 Tyson Foods, Inc. UWC3020064607

G

7-Jun-17 At approximately 18 40 hours while giving breaks to Food Inspectors on Evisceration Line 1, had a bird presented to him that had a rubber band around its body. The band was 

located just behind the wings and encircled the entire body. It was deeply embedded in the back and breast muscles. Its long term presence was demonstrated by a heavy band of fibrous scar tissue 

proximal and distal to the area where the band had grown into the tissues. There was also a large area of inflammatory tissue in the breast muscles proximal to the banded area. 

This bird was from the same flock of birds as one found on day shift with a rubber band similarly located around its body. Plant is able to identify flock/grower from which this bird originated.

The bird was turned over to Plant Manager Tim Peters for his correlation with grow-out personnel. He stated that this grower had recently replaced nipple waterers in the house and the rubber 

bands probably dropped during their installation.

40 P5787 Pilgrim's Pride 

Corporation

DEB0714064228

G

28-Jun-17 On Wednesday June 28, 2017 at approximately 12 34 PM I was in the live receiving area performing a Good Commercial Practices task. I noted one of the cages had been set aside and several of the 

birds had blood on them. I asked the , why the birds had fresh blood on them and pointed out birds to be removed so that I could determine which one was 

injured. The first bird had fresh blood on it but I ascertained it did not have any wounds. The second bird with blood on it had a severely bruised wing but again no site for the bleeding was found.

However, the third bird they removed was actively bleeding from a large gaping wound on its left breast. The skin had been torn away and was a hanging flap of skin. The wound was approximately 

4 x 4 inches in width/length.

There were several plant employees including and present but no one was taking any steps to alleviate the pain and suffering of this injured bird. I then told 

them the injured bird needed to be immediately euthanized to alleviate any further pain, suffering and distress. The bird was still alive and not moribund. The plant then euthanized the bird.

I later spoke with and about the importance of taking action when they observe birds with blood on them. Also, that they needed to be more 

vigilant in the future and take immediate action so that injured birds are not left to suffer in pain and distress. 

USDA expects all birds to be treated in a manner that causes the least amount of distress, discomfort and excitement. It is expected that all plant employees will use all due diligence to ensure birds 

are treated in the least stressful manner possible. Therefore, being proactive in identifying possible instances where harm and or distress/discomfort may be inflicted upon the birds should be 

followed. 

A copy of this MOI will be entered into PHIS, forwarded to the Front Line Supervisor and the Dallas District Veterinary Medical Specialist.

P5787

Natchitoches, LA

25 P579 Jennie-O Turkey 

Store Sales, Inc.

UIO0014064507G 7-Jun-17 I spoke to at 0915 hours regarding three cadavers that were presented to USDA inspection between 0800 and 0915 hours. The birds had dark purple splotchy skin that 

extended up the neck and inadequate cuts to the neck. Two of the three birds had only a skin cut without a neck muscle cut and the third bird had a cut trachea without any neck muscle cut. 

 was notified about the inadequate cuts and bleeding. told me at 0915 hours that the auto-killer was adjusted to make a deeper cut, employees would check the auto-killer at least 

ever and the issues will be addressed with the backup neck cutter.

25 P579 Jennie-O Turkey 

Store Sales, Inc.

UIO4907065613G 13-Jun-17 While performing antemortem inspection this morning, I spoke with at approximately 0405 hours regarding a bird stuck in a truck cage door. This bird had his head, part 

of his neck, part of a wing, and part of a leg stuck outside the cage in a manner such that he could not pull these body parts back in the cage. No swelling, bleeding, or abnormal breathing patterns 

were observed. While this bird was loaded poorly, the truck had been parked in the shed for some time and had not been noticed by plant employees. and I discussed Good Commercial 

Practice procedures. Not only was this bird not secured in a manner that minimized discomfort, this bird could potentially have had breathing difficulties or severe bruising. USDA employees will 

continue to monitor the holding sheds.

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(b)(6

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90 P6504 Peco Foods, Inc. CHK3312065809

G

9-Jun-17 At 1215 hours on Friday 9 June 2017 during a routine antemortem check and GCP verification, the following issues were discovered during the course of inspection

1.) The individual in charge of the dumper was dumping birds too early, leading to birds being dumped on top of birds on the transverse belt. This was the 3rd time I have witnessed this in 2 weeks.

The establishment was warned about this behavior and was told that all birds had to be off of the transverse belt before dumping a fresh cage to minimize injury and violation of GCPs. Premature 

dumping can cause suffocation, broken wings, broken legs, and bruising, which, unrelated or not, has been seen in post-mortem inspection at an increased rate in the 3 weeks I have been detailed to 

this plant.

2.) There was 1 trailer remaining in the holding sheds. The fans were off because maintenance was replacing the water nozzles. It is close to the hottest part of the day with the ambient 

temperature being recorded by The Weather Channel at 80 degrees F.

3.) The individual running the bar in live hang that controls the advance of the belt allowed birds to back up at the end of the belt. One bird's head was stuck under the partition at the end of the 

belt and was trapped between the rolling belt and the partition while the belt was rolling and was left there for several minutes until I drew the individual's attention to this problem and he removed 

the bird. Further, the individual controlling the speed of the belt forcefully jerked the bird from under the partition even while the belt was still rolling. This could be construed as "egregious." The 

plant has been warned about birds piling up at the end of the belt and being pulled under and into the partition without being hung on the shackles in a timely manner by me last week (the week of 

28 May 2017).

90 P6651 Tyson Foods Inc. MSO1821062528

G

28-Jun-17 On Wednesday June 28, 2017 at approximately 1931 hour while performing an Ante Mortem inspection and a Good Commercial Practice Check with , I observed a live 

bird intermingled in a pile with six other dead birds at the end of the belt that exits the live hang area. An additional large dead bird exited the belt landing on top of the live bird pinning it in the pile 

of dead birds putting it in imminent danger of becoming crushed/suffocating and dying by means other than slaughter. The establishment employee that normally disposes of the dead birds and 

monitors for any live birds walked by the pile, glanced over and continued to walk into live hang with the door closing behind him. Shortly thereafter was 

walking by the area about to exit to the live dock area when I motioned for him and pointed out the live bird under the dead ones in the pile. He retrieved the live bird and put it back into 

production. 

A meeting was held with at that time discussing Good Commercial Practices in depth. I explained that live birds should not comingle with the DOA birds as this puts them at risk 

for suffocation / becoming crushed. 

Once the incident occurred was informed that an MOI would be issued. 

As per Federal Register Notice Docket No. 04-037N dated September 28, 2005, Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter, the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) strongly encourages all 

establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry to make every effort to treat poultry humanely and abide by the Good Commercial Practices (GCPs) as described by industry guidelines. 

My observations are consistent with less than good commercial practices. 

A copy of this Memorandum of Interview will be forwarded to appropriate personnel in the District Office. 

Respectfully submitted on June 28, 2017. 

Cc Dr. Larry Davis, DDM 

Mr. Donald Coley, DDM 

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35 P727 Simmons Prepared 

Foods, Inc.

VCF2409063529G 29-Jun-17 On June 26, 2017, at approximately 07 15 hours and , met with . 

The following is a synopsis of the discussion regarding cervical dislocation and the establishment’s animal welfare plan reviewed the animal welfare plan for the procedure regarding 

cervical dislocation. The animal welfare plan states the thumb and index finger will be placed at the back of the skull and the legs are quickly pulled with the other hand. expressed concern 

about whether this was the method that the employees were utilizing inquired about where the method was acquired from. was informed that procedure was adapted from live 

haul. informed and that they appear to pull more on the neck than the legs and sometimes will twist the neck resulting in decapitation of the bird. informed 

establishment management that two or three birds were decapitated while attempting to perform cervical dislocation. There wereseveral others (approximately 5-6) that had severe fluttering of the 

body muscles for greater than 30 seconds as they traveled down the conveyor. The establishment informed me that they would perform retraining of personnel that perform cervical dislocation to 

ensure that the procedure is being implemented as written. 

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 07 35 hours.

80 P7470 Mountaire Farms 

Inc. - NC Division

YRA2416063414

G

14-Jun-17 While observing the plants GCPs at 16 16 I observed a live bird in the dead on arrival bird bin half way buried. The bird looked distressed at the time. I informed NS 

 of my findings. He immediately removed the live bird from the bin. The cause was determined to be that the dead on arrival belt monitor left his station for a moment and the line running. 

NS added an additional monitor to the system to prevent any future occurrence.

80 P935 Allen Harim Foods, 

LLC.

YXA0710063923

G

23-Jun-17 June 23, 2017 

Subject Memorandum of Interview 

 Mistreatment of live poultry 

 A meeting was held in USDA office at P-935 on Friday June 23, 2017 at 1210 hours with concerning the following Good Commercial 

Practices 

On Friday June 23, 2017, one of the Inspectors on Evisceration Line 1 Station # 3 called me for Veterinary disposition. Upon examination of carcass, I observed that head of the carcass was intact with 

no cut on neck veins. The facial area was swollen; skin around the neck area was purple in color while rest of the carcass was bright red in color. The carcass was condemned and documented as 

cadaver. was immediately notified of the finding. The Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) and the agency regulations do require that poultry must be slaughtered in accordance 

with good commercial practices in a manner that will result in thorough bleeding of carcasses and ensure that breathing has stopped prior to scalding so that birds do not drown or die other than 

slaughter. It is the Agency’s expectations that all Good Commercial Practices be correctly and effectively implemented. 

 told me that back up killers will get write up as per establishment policy and an additional back up killer was placed on Kill line 1. assured USDA that the matter would be resolved. 

A copy of this Memorandum of Interview will be forwarded to Front Line Supervisor (FLS) in case additional follow-up is recommended and a copy will be placed in the official USDA file.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. 

Sincerely, 

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85 P1309 House of 

Raeford 

Farms Inc.

JLA152305

4612G

12-May-17 At approximately 1135 hours, during the performance of a Good Commercial Practices task, I inspected the cages on truck #2837, which had been pulled from the truck sheds and was 

being prepared for unloading. I noted that one cage had three birds that appeared to be sitting on top of one another. Upon closer inspection, I observed that the top two floors of the 

cage were broken in one corner. This damage allowed a bird in the top section to fall through on top of two birds in the second section. These two birds had fallen partially through the 

floor of their section and were stuck between the second and third sections of the cage. One of these birds had a small amount of blood and an abrasion on the tail. I immediately 

notified of the damaged cage. I requested that the affected cage be removed from the truck, and the birds in the affected sections were removed 

by hand to prevent any further injury. The birds were then placed on the live hang conveyor belt for slaughter. The remaining birds in the cage were run through the cage dump, and 

 tagged the cage for repair. also observed the damaged cage and indicated he would have the problem addressed. As I observed the unloading 

of other cages from truck #2837, I noted that some were missing one or more of their metal loading doors.

The establishment most recently was notified of an issue with cage conditions by via MOI #JLA3712031830G issued on 03/30/2017. This MOI noted a number 

of cage issues, including broken cage bottoms, missing cage doors, and damaged metal parts and framing, during the week of March 27, 2017. A number of cages still appear to be in 

poor condition with the same issues noted above. The establishment has the responsibility to ensure the safe handling of all birds on its premises, which includes ensuring acceptable 

cage conditions, since significant cage damage may lead to injury or death of the birds.

90 P17340 Pilgrim's UQB25030

52029G

29-May-17 At approximately 2:45am, on 5-28-2017, while performing the Poultry Good Commercial Practices task, I found one live bird in the DOA dumpster on the "old side". The bird was resting 

between birds that had been sprayed with denaturant but did not have denaturant on it.

I notified retrieved the bird. I then informed .The establishment's program failed to 

segregate a live bird from the dead birds. Without USDA-FSIS intervention, the establishment's plan would have failed to prevent a bird from dying by means other than slaughter.

90 P18557 Sanderson 

Farms, Inc.

QNA18110

53715G

15-May-17 On May 15, 2017 at approximately 1045, , observed less than Good Commercial Practices while performing an Ante-Mortem Inspection and Good Commercial 

Practices check at 18557 P in Summit, MS. While observing the kill machine of each picking line for proper function, I did not observe any abnormality in the equipment's operation. I did 

observe that a new employee was backing the kill machine on line #2. I walked to the end of the blood trough to observe for any live birds entering the scalder. I observed a single, live 

bird at 1045 enter the scalder on picking line #2. The bird was hanging on the shackle with its eyes open, still breathing, and without a cut on its neck. This bird entered the scalder alive 

and still breathing. I did not take any regulatory action with this single-bird incident, since no evidence of a system failure existed. I notified , of 

the observed nonconformance, during a brief meeting held in his office at approximately 1050. I presented the cadaver to him, explained my observation, informed him that a 

Memorandum of Information (MOI) was going to be documented, and relinquished the carcass into his control. FSIS Docket No. 04-037N, Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter, 

states that under the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA) and Agency regulations, live poultry must be handled in a manner that is consistent with good commercial practices. In order 

to ensure that poultry is handled and slaughtered in a manner that is consistent with good commercial practices, poultry should be treated in such a manner as to minimize excitement, 

discomfort, and accidental injury throughout processing.A copy of this Memorandum of Information will be forwarded to the appropriate personnel in the Jackson District Office. 

Respectfully, 

 cc: , and Mr. Don Coley, Jackson DDM.

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15 P20251 Tecumseh 

Poultry, LLC

PBM32060

55516G

16-May-17 On May 12, 2017 at 1215 hours, and met with Establishment P20251 and 

for a weekly meeting and to discuss Good Commercial Practice observed by stated below.

On May 12, 2017 at 0532 hours while performing ante-mortem, I , observed two live young chickens setting on Trailer T-796. The module adjacent from the birds 

had a broken door, open outwards and penned between the trailer support post and module, on the third level. There were approximately 20 live young chickens in the open 

compartment of the module. I notified the scale house personnel. The two loose birds were gently removed from the trailer and placed into another module. A wooden board was 

placed in front of the opening. Since the wooden board was not secured to the module, I asked the scale house personnel how is the module going to be handled when placed in the 

facility to keep the birds from falling out of the opening. He informed me that he would notify the unloading personnel of the broken module and they would monitor it at that time. 

 was notified via Email that an MOI would be documented and sent to District office for review.

At the meeting, informed USDA that the module was unloaded first and no issues were reported. And will look into options for preventative measures.

35 P208 George's 

Processing, 

Inc.

XIC331905

0322G

22-May-17 On 5-22-2017 at approximately 1910 hours while walking through the live hang and receiving areas I noted that the Kill Line #1 cage dumper was inoperable. As a result live hang 

employees were transferring live birds by hand from the Kill Line #2 hanging belt to the Kill Line #1 hanging belt, approximately 7 feet away, to be hung on shackles to allow both kill lines 

to be utilized for production. As I observed these activities in the live hang area I noted that a live hang employee was removing live birds from the Kill Line #2 hanging belt and throwing 

them through the air at a distance of approximately 5 feet to land on the Kill Line #1 hanging belt. On two occasions this employee tossed a live bird far enough to hit live birds that were 

hung on the Kill Line #1 shackles and then drop onto the hanging belt below. I immediately stopped production on Kill Line #1 and placed U.S. Reject tag #B35619004 on the live hang 

belt to denote it as rejected for use. I contacted N/S Plant Manager Paul Howell and informed him that the Kill Line #1 hanging belt was rejected for use due to improper handling of live 

birds by the live hang employee.

After investigating the incident Mr. Howell and met with me to discuss corrective actions to prevent improper handling of live birds by live hang 

employees. Mr. Howell held an immediate meeting with the live hang employees to discuss proper bird handling. He also informed me that there would be a formal training session 

addressing good commercial practices and proper bird handling to be held with all live hang personnel at the end of the night's shift. He also directed that a supervisory employee be 

stationed in the live hang area to monitor live hang employees until the transfer of live birds between the two kill lines was discontinued for the night.

At approximately 1926 hours I removed the U.S. Reject tag and released the Kill Line #1 live hang belt for use. The Kill Line #1 cage dumper became operational at approximately 2100 

hours and normal operations for live hang on both kill lines resumed at that time.

25 P34668 Simply 

Essentials 

Poultry, LLC

00052110

52718G

18-May-17 I understand that this lot was affected with Reo virus. This site has had a history of high death loss. The birds slaughtered were a clean-out of the barn. The number of DOA's and 

disposed carcasses was very high.

The source barn is located within 25 miles of the plant and the weather was 84 degrees for a high temperature. The death loss occurred throughout the day even with the normal start 

early in the morning when it was cool. The holding barn has fans on the north and south sides and in between the trucks and is open on the east side. There are fans in the holding area 

of live hang.

DOA losses for other sites on days before and after have been acceptable.

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80 P419 Case Farms 

Processing, 

Inc.

VDB28000

51716G

16-May-17 Est. P419, Case Farms, 5/15/2017, approximately 2050 hrs. Present , Mr. Robertson, Assistant Plant Manager and 

On 5/15/2017, at approximately 2042 hours at start up, I observed a number of red birds on the transfer belt. Upon closer examination, one of these birds had its head still attached to 

its neck and there were no cuts on the neck, indicating that the bird had died by means other than slaughter. I and confirmed that there were no neck cuts present on this 

bird. This bird and the other red birds were rejected by the plant. went to the stunning/killing area and observed that all birds he saw were being stunned and cut 

properly. I brought this to the attention of and I requested the presence of Mr. Robertson, Assistant Plant Manager. I pointed out our findings and 

Mr. Robertson said that the stunner had not been functioning properly but the situation had been addressed and corrected by the establishment. Our observations concurred with this. 

This MOI will be forwarded to the District Office and the District Veterinary Medical Specialist in case additional follow-up is recommended. A copy of Federal Register Notice Vol. 70, 

No. 187, published September 2005 [Docket No. 04–037N] was provided.

25 P425 Northern 

Pride, Inc.

MYG08100

50003G

3-May-17 P425 Northern Pride, Inc 

06:35 hours: Plant Manager Warren Leighton, 

On Monday May 1, 2017 at approximately 06:25 hours while performing Good Commercial Practices Verification, I observed a bird that I suspected was still breathing on the line. The 

bird had passed through the blood tunnel, and from the point of observation the bird had approximately 52 seconds of travel time on the line prior to entering the scalder. I observed 

the bird did have a cut on the neck. As the bird turned the corner and passed out of view I proceeded to the post picking area. Approximately 4 minutes later a well fleshed bird with 

diffusely red skin exited the picker. This bird was also observed by an establishment employee who approached the line to remove the bird. I removed the bird off the line for further 

examination. I observed the cut on the neck was superficial and did not fully sever the carotid arteries and jugular veins for adequate exsanguination. I determined the bird died from 

means other than slaughter. I placed US Retain Tag B35188428 on the carcass. 

At approximately 06:35 hours I discussed the findings with Plant Manager Warren Leighton. I showed him the carcass and the superficial neck cut. Manager Leighton mentioned the 

establishment has a humane handling protocol and undergoes multiple audits a year which include humane handling. Manager Leighton stated that he will discuss this finding with the 

sticking employee and document the conversation. We discussed the importance of humane treatment of all birds, which Manager Leighton agreed was important. 

I advised Manager Leighton that an MOI would be written and forwarded to the District Office for the and ) to review, should 

additional follow-up be needed. 

Respectfully, 

, OFO FSIS

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25 P425 Northern 

Pride, Inc.

MYG40050

51809G

9-May-17 P425 Northern Pride, Inc 

13:37 hours: Plant Manager Warren Leighton

On Monday May 7, 2017 at approximately 13:35 hours while performing Good Commercial Practices Verification, I observed a bird on the line that had passed the blood tunnel and was 

headed to the scalder. The bird was rhythmically breathing and blinking. It had an arched neck and was moving its head dorsally, and then laterally. I stopped the picking line, and Plant 

Manager Warren Leighton removed the conscious bird from the line. At this time it was observed that the bird did have a cut on the neck, but the cut was superficial and did not sever 

the carotid artery and jugular vein for adequate exsanguination took the bird to the hanging area where he rehung the bird for subsequent restunning and re-sticking. 

At approximately 13:45 hours I discussed the findings with Plant Manager Warren Leighton. We discussed that this incident was the second in two weeks. (On May 1, 2017 a cadaver 

was observed on the line after the observation of a possibly breathing bird was made prior to the scalder). Manager Leighton stated there are two sticking employees, they are both 

experienced. Each sticking employee has now been on sticking duty when a bird was observed by USDA IPP to not be adequately cut. Manager Leighton stated he would meet with both 

sticking employees after slaughter was completed for the day to discuss sticking. He noted that the first week of production there were problems with heads becoming detached in the 

picking machine, and the sticking employees were warned about this. Manager Leighton agreed he would rather have a detached head in the picking machine than a live bird going 

through the scalder, and he reiterated he would discuss the importance of this with the sticking employees. 

I advised Manager Leighton that an MOI would be written and forwarded to the District Office for the and , to review and 

they will contact us should additional follow-up be needed. 

Respectfully, 

, OFO FSIS

50 P44826 Case Farms 

Processing, 

Inc

00030000

51422G

22-May-17 On 5/22/2017 at approximately 12 55 AM, while conducting a routine walkthrough of the Evisceration department, did make the following good commercial 

practices observation. While standing at the evisceration rehang table, multiple (6-7), cherry-red cadaver birds with no neck cuts began appearing on the kill line. The evisceration 

rehang table employee s removed these birds from the kill line. proceeded back to the kill room to make further observations. It was noted that the kill machine had numerous 

heads in the blade and that several of the birds appeared to be too active after the stunner, including some birds that were noted to apparently be vocalizing after the stunner. The 

evisceration line lead was notified of these problems and the increased amount of cadavers being seen at the evisceration rehang table. While I proceeded back out to the evisceration 

rehang table, I observed several more cadavers on the kill line after the pickers. Once back out at the Evisceration rehang table, and

were overseeing the removal of the remaining cadavers from the evisceration line and I notified them of my observations regarding the kill machine and birds.

 notified me that maintenance was addressing the issue and followed me back to the kill room to check on the kill machine and stunner. Upon further discussion with 

maintenance, it was noted that while there had been a stoppage on the kill line due to a fire alarm, a breaker on the new stunner had tripped and this caused the birds to be 

insufficiently stunned prior to entering the kill machine, resulting in the large amount of cadavers noted. Maintenance had switched over the stunning machine to the back-up breaker 

and this resolved the issue. A follow-up GCP check of 1000 birds at 1:10 AM revealed the process was under control, with the birds appropriately docile after the stunner and no birds 

entering the scald tank breathing. Upon checking the condemn barrel at the evisceration rehang table after the issues were resolved, I noted approximately 30 cherry red cadaver birds 

with no neck cuts. The observations described above are not compatible with the establishment s policies for good commercial practices for poultry slaughter.

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80 P45910 SANDERSON 

FARMS, INC

00034160

54910G

10-May-17 While I was conducting Poultry Good Comercial Practice Task at around 4:00pm, I observed a bird on the live hang belt on it's back struggling to breathe. During this time plant 

employees had gone on their break, thus leaving the birds in live hang unattended. I explained during my weekly meeting with the establishment management, 5/10/2017, that birds on 

their backs can not properly ventilate, which would eventually lead to suffocation. As I continued to walk down the line, I noticed a bird with a mutilated left rear leg. The bird was 

panting, had pale wattles and comb, and it's eye were closed and neck extended. The left leg had no feathers or paw remaining and the skin had been de-gloved (removed). Lying 

adjacent to this bird was another leg from a different bird that had been completely amputated, with the same presentation (no skin, feathers, or paw). I was not able to identify which 

bird this leg had come from, but addressed my findings with ). He informed me that there was an issue with the cage dumper belt and the live hang belt and 

he will take care of this situation promptly.

NOTE* There was an error uploading establishment's response, so it will be copied and pasted below;

Sanderson Farms, Inc. 

2076 NC Hwy 20 • St. Pauls, North Carolina 28384 

Telephone (910) 674-4777 • Facsimile (910) 802-4686 

June 26, 2006

Memorandum

Subject: Response to MOI on Good Commercial Practices from 5/10/2017

Date: 5/11/2017

To: 

The management team met on the issues addressed in the MOI to discuss a further plan of action and assess the corrective actions implemented on 5-10-17. The root cause of the 

incident was a gap in the divider causing birds to get caught or pinched in between the divider and the belt. Maintenance lowered the divider down to eliminate the gap in between the 

divider and belt. Also, maintenance added removable stabilizers to ensure the divider is properly adjusted before the next production run. We will also have personnel monitoring the 

live hang belt during all breaks for the next 30 days to ensure the problem has been eliminated. 

Respectfully,

.

Sanderson Farms, Inc.

2076 NC Hwy 20

St. Pauls, NC 28384

P-45910

80 P45910 SANDERSON 

FARMS, INC

00008210

52110G

10-May-17 On May 10, 2017 at 1830 hours while performing a Good Commercial Practice task, I observed the following condition at the live hang belt: At the very beginning of lunch break and as 

the live hang employees were leaving the belt area for their 30 minute break, I observed a live hanger toss one of five remaining birds that was not hung in a shackle back onto the belt 

with the bird landing onto his back and remaining in that position (birds that remain on their back can not properly ventilate which would eventually lead to suffocation). The employee 

then turned to leave for break stopped the employee and explained to him about leaving birds on their backs. Also while looking at the live hang belt, I 

observed approximately 2 to 3 poultry legs that were wedged by their feet in a approximately 1-1/2 inch gap that had developed between the belt and the Teflon partition. The legs 

were completely severed at the junction of the Tibia and Femur with the muscle, skin and feathers still attached. I then took regulatory control of the live hang belt by applying USDA 

Rejected tag # B37028513 and then showing , and the noncompliance. at 1833 hours. The live hang belt was 

released after being repaired by maintenance and re-inspected by USDA at 1926 hours. There was previous discussion concerning Good Commercial Practices concerning the 

same issues in a plant meeting on May 10, 2017 at 1630 hours.

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35 P468 Peco Foods, 

Inc.

JVD321705

0106G

6-May-17 Est P468, Peco Foods, May 6th 2017, 17:13 hours. In attendance: and .

At approximately 17:13 hours, while observing conditions in the 1st processing room, just prior to the scalder on line 2, I observed a single bird still breathing before entering the scalder. 

I immediately reported my findings to , who then slowed the line to bpm. I verified again that no birds were entering the scalder breathing. At 

approximately 17:58 hours requested the line speed be increased to bpm with the replacement of the current back up killer; I had approved of his request. I reminded 

that the PPIA and the agency regulations do require that live poultry be handled in a manner that is consistent with good commercial practices (GCP's), and that they not die from 

causes other than slaughter. I provided a copy of the Treatment of Live Poultry Before Slaughter, published September 2005, and recommended he review it. I notified 

that this MOI will be forwarded to my front line supervisor as well as the districts District Veterinary Medical Specialist (DVMS) in case additional follow-up is recommended. 

Respectfully, P468 Peco Foods.

40 P51179 Sanderson 

Farms, Inc.

00034190

54911G

11-May-17 On Wednesday May 10, 2016 at approximately 2135 hours while performing a GCP task in the live hang room a chicken was observed crushed underneath a belt at the end of the live 

hang belt. The chicken was crushed between the belt and the roller at the end of the live hang belt and was obviously dead. The carcass was shown to the

 When attempted to remove the carcass it ripped apart. I asked what he was going to do to prevent further bird suffering and he said he would increase 

monitoring of the area. 

On Thursday May 11, 2017 was informed that an MOI about the incident would be documented. 

Processing equipment must be maintained in a manner that will not cause bird injury and suffering. It is important to treat poultry in a way that ensures they do not die by means other 

than slaughter. Employing methods of handling consistent with Good Commercial Practices and 9 CFR 381.65(b) can help produce and unadulterated product. 

40 P51179 Sanderson 

Farms, Inc.

00017150

54731G

31-May-17 On Tuesday May 30, 2017 at approximately 2003 hours while performing a GCP task in the live hang room a weak bird was sorted off the live hang belt by an employee and placed onto 

the floor. picked up the bird by its head and tossed it onto a small pile of dead birds on the floor at the end of the belt. The bird was obviously still alive 

and breathing. was asked why he picked up the bird by its head and tossed it. He said he did not know that the bird was alive. When I asked what he was going 

to do with the bird he responded that he was going to wait for it to die. was informed that it is unacceptable to pick up live birds by the head and toss them onto the floor. 

The bird was collected by another supervisor and placed onto the kill line. The incident was discussed with the later in the evening. 

On Wednesday May 31, 2017 the incident was also discussed with and Plant Manager Mr. John Stedman at the weekly establishment exit meeting. 

 and were informed that a GCP MOI would be documented. stated that he would provide retraining to to prevent more bird suffering. 

Picking up live birds by the head and tossing them onto the floor is not consistent with Good Commercial Practices because it resulted in needless bird suffering. It is important to treat 

poultry in a way that ensures they do not die by means other than slaughter. Employing methods of handling consistent with Good Commercial Practices and 9 CFR 381.65(b) can help 

produce and unadulterated product. 

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90 P519 Wayne Farms 

LLC

KMH49200

51901G

1-May-17 Mr. Craig Ballentine 

Complex Manager 

Wayne Farms, LLC, P519 

525 Wayne Dr. 

Laurel, MS 39401 

Mr. Ballentine, 

At approximately 0327 hours on April 28, 2017 while performing the PHIS Good Commercial Practice in Poultry (GCPIP) verification task, the following less than GCPIP incident was 

observed in the live hang are of P519, Wayne Farms, LLC, Laurel, MS. A young chicken was observed at the end of the live hang conveyor belt in a red container, with chicken manure 

and feathers which had collected from the belt. Only the back of the bird was visible. When the manure and feathers were removed, the bird raised its head. The bird was viable but 

had its head buried under the manure and feathers. Six live young chickens were observed at the end of the belt on the floor of the live hang area. The bird was removed from the red 

container by a plant employee and placed back into production along with the six other live birds. and 

and were notified. Allowing birds to become entrapped under debris can cause suffocation and death by means other than slaughter. The 

establishment has a responsibility to ensure that all birds on the official premises be treated in a humane manner to prevent unnecessary suffering, injury, or death by means other than 

slaughter while under their control. 

A meeting was held briefly with and at the time of notification. A meeting was held with and at 

approximately 2300 hours on April 30, 2017 was unavailable at the time of the incident on April 28, 2017. stated any forthcoming response to the GCPIP 

Memorandum of Information would be addressed by Wayne Farms, LLC, Laurel, MS. 

As per Federal Register Docket Notice 04-037N, dated September 28,2015, “Treatment of Live Poultry Before Slaughter”, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) strongly 

encourages all establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry to make every effort to treat poultry humanely prior to slaughter and abide by Good Commercial Practices (GCPs) as 

described in industry guidelines. 

Respectfully, 

 Canton, MS 9024 

1039 W. Fulton St. 

Canton, MS 39046

cc: Mr. Perry Davis, DM

 Mr. Don Coley, DDM

 Dr. Larry Davis, DDM

 Dr. David Thompson, DDM

 

 

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90 P519 Wayne Farms 

LLC

KMH45040

54402G

2-May-17 Mr. Craig Ballentine

Complex Manager

Wayne Farms, LLC, P519

525 Wayne Dr. 

Laurel, MS 39401

At approximately 0411 hours on May 2, 2017, while verifying the PHIS Good Commercial Practices in Poultry (GCPIP) verification task at P519, Wayne Farms, LLC, Laurel, MS, the 

following less than GCPIP incident was observed. One live young hen chicken from an approximately 500 bird sample subgroup entered the first scald tank exhibiting rhythmic 

breathing, pupillary reflexes, uplifted head and no cut to the neck. Verification was made at the exit of the last picker at approximately 0416 hours. The carcass was bright red in 

appearance, with pooling of blood in the head, neck, and upper breast consistent with a cadaver. requested the cadaver be removed at rehang by a plant employee.

 and were notified and observed the cadaver removed from the evisceration line. A

second verification prior to the first scalder of an approximate 500 bird subgroup had no bird(s) entering the scalder at approximately 0422 hours. A visual check of the kill room 

evidenced the birds were being stunned properly with an occasional bird bypassing the kill machine. Bird(s) entering the scalder while still breathing is not consistent with GCPIP and 

results in adulterated product. Establishments are responsible for birds entering the official premises and must employ GCPIP to prevent unnecessary suffering, injury and death. 

A meeting was held in the office of at approximately 0500 hours. and were present discussed the 

incident and additional findings with and was advised a GCPIP Memorandum of Information (MOI) would be issued to the plant. stated any 

forthcoming response would be made by . 

As per Federal Register Notice Docket 04-037N, dated September 28.2005, “Treatment of Live Poultry Prior to Slaughter”, the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) strongly encourages 

all establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry to abide by Good Commercial Practices (GCPs) as described in industry guidelines. 

Respectfully, 

, Canton, MS 39046 

1039 W. Fulton St. 

Canton, MS 39046 

cc: Mr. Perry Davis, DM 

 Mr. Don Coley, DDM 

 Dr. Larry Davis, DDM 

 Dr. David Thompson, DDM 

 

 

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(b)(6)

(b)(6) (b) (6)
90 P519 Wayne Farms 

LLC

KMH20220

51703G

3-May-17 Mr. Craig Ballentine

Complex Manger

Wayne Farms, LLC, P519

525 Wayne Drive

Laurel, MS 39401

Mr. Ballentine,

At approximately 2047 hours while verifying the PHIS Good Commercial Practices in Poultry (GCPIP) verification task at Wayne Farms, LLC, Laurel, MS, P519, 3rd shift, the following less 

than GCPIP incident occurred. , and observed a live bird with labored breathing and with the head covered in a 

pile of Dead on Arrivals (DOAs) outside the live hang pen. The DOA bin was not in place and the live birds and DOAs had been piled on the sidewalk. requested a plant 

employee to summon a supervisor. Per request, a plant employee removed the birds from the one by one from the pile. The DOAs were decapitated and placed in the DOA 

bin. While the plant employee was removing the birds from the pile, another bird with labored breathing was removed from the pile of DOAs. The moribund birds were euthanized by 

rapid cervical disarticulation. , 

and were notified. Birds entrapped in a pile of DOAs are subject to die by suffocation or means other than slaughter. The establishment has a 

responsibility to handle birds in their care on the official premises in a humane manner that will prevent unnecessary suffering, injury, or death by means other than slaughter.

A meeting was held in the USDA office at approximately 2115 hours. , and were present. The less than GCPIP incident and the 

contributing factors leading up to the incident, including the DOA bin not being in place and comingling live birds with DOAs, were discussed. and were advised a 

GCPIP MOI would be issued documenting the incident.

As per Federal Register Docket Notice 04-037N, dated September 28,2005, “Treatment of Live Poultry Before Slaughter”, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) strongly 

encourages all establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry to make every effort to treat poultry humanely prior to slaughter and abide by Good Commercial Practices (GCPs) as 

described in industry guidelines.

Respectfully, 

 Canton, MS 9024

1039 W. Fulton St.

Canton, MS 39046 

cc: Mr. Perry Davis, DM

 Mr. Don Coley, DDM

 Dr. Larry Davis, DDM

 Dr. David Thompson, DDM

 

 

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(b)(6)

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90 P522 Sanderson 

Farms, Inc. 

(Processing 

Div)

IKB581805

5025G

25-May-17 The following less than good commercial practices were observed yesterday at P-522, Sanderson Farms, Collins, Mississippi: 

I was informed by my CSIs that the picking line was down, so I proceeded to the live hang area to observe the condition of the live birds. 

Upon entering the live hang area at approximately 1412 hours, I observed that the outside line was not moving and there were no birds in the shackles on that line in live hang. There 

were approximately 15 dead birds on the metal table at the end of the line. Within the pile of dead birds I observed a live bird: The head of the bird was buried beneath dead birds, but 

the vent area of the bird was clearly moving in and out in a rhythmic manner as the bird breathed. was notified of this finding and informed that 

live birds buried beneath dead birds may suffocate, dying from means other than slaughter. This issue was discussed at second-shift weekly meetings with the establishment on 1/20/17, 

2/2/17, 2/10/17, 4/7/17, 4/21/17, and 5/4/17. Additionally, Good Commercial Practice MOI's have been issued for this same problem on 4/11/17 (First Shift) and 2/2/17 (Second Shift). 

I proceeded to the platform adjacent to the dumper, where I observed that most of the shackles were empty. However, there were still live birds hanging in the shackles in three 

locations (at the time of my observation the birds had been hanging on the line for approximately 10 minutes):

 There were two live birds (one of which was hanging by one leg only) suspended in the shackles beneath the push-down bar. I asked area employees why these birds had not been 

removed from the line and they stated that the birds could not be removed from the line because the metal bar was in the way. 

There were 2 live birds suspended in the shackles near where the line makes the first a 90-degree turn as it exits live hang and proceeds towards the stunner. I asked the employees why 

these birds had not been removed since there was nothing obvious obstructing access to these birds. Area employees stated that the birds were stuck and could not be removed from 

the shackles. 

There were 10-15 live birds suspended in the shackles above the catwalk, located just prior to the entrance to the stunner. I immediately notified Mr. Barry Sparks, Plant Manager, and 

, of my findings. 

I proceeded to the front office and informed , of my findings, and asked if the establishment s animal welfare program includes a protocol for dealing 

with live birds in the shackles in the event of a line stoppage. stated that live birds were to be removed from the line in the event of a line stoppage. 

This issue was previously discussed at the weekly meeting 3/2/17, at which time stated that birds are to be removed from the line in the event of a breakdown lasting 

more than 3-4 minutes. I subsequently reviewed the establishment s written animal welfare protocol titled, “Animal Welfare Plan for Disruption of Processing” and confirmed that 

removal of live birds from the line prior to the stunner is included in the protocol, although a time frame is not specified. 

The treatment of live birds before slaughter is an important animal welfare concern. Live birds buried beneath dead birds may suffer and/or suffocate, dying by means other than 

slaughter. Live birds left suspended upside down in the shackles for a prolonged period of time in the event of a line stoppage may suffer and/or die; this is especially true of birds 

improperly hung in the shackles or birds that are already in a compromised state due to disease or injury. 

 Establishment management is encouraged to review Federal Register Notice Docket No. 04-037N (dated September 28, 2005) for FSIS recommendations concerning treatment of live 

poultry before slaughter. Establishments are strongly encouraged to abide by Good Commercial Practices. 

The aforementioned observations were discussed today with Mr. Joe Kerley, Division Manager. 

Respectfully, 

CC:

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6)

25 P544 Jennie-O 

Turkey Store 

Sales

KXJ590605

2502G

2-May-17 United States 

Department of 

Agriculture 	 

Food Safety 

and Inspection 

Service 	 

123 S. 5th. Av. E. 

Melrose, MN. 56352 

320-256-3311 	 

 Date: 5/1/2017 

TO and

FROM:

SUBJECT: MOI-Good Commercial Practice 

 At 0745 hours I was on the north side of the Hang and Kill bay observing Good Commercial Practices. There were three trailers staged to enter Hang and Kill. The trailer numbers were 

9821, 1402 and 0706. All three trailers belonged to flock, , which is miles from the Jennie-O-Turkey Store, Melrose facility. The outside temperature was 32 degrees 

and a heavy mist, at the time of my Good Commercial Practices observations. I observed the back of the three staged trailers and noted that the back trailer axels and frame work was 

packed with snow. The back coops were wet. The turkeys in the back cages were wet, listless and shivering . The bottom 2 cages that I could observe well had 1-3 DOAs per cage. There 

was no panel protection on the back of the trailers. I observed the sides of the three trailers which had staggered side panels in place. The turkeys in the side cages were dry and the 

cages were drier then the cages in the back of the trailer. I did not observe any turkeys shivering in the cages on the trailer s side. The back of the trailers did not have any panels. It 

appears that during the 125 mile haul from the farm to the Melrose facility that the snow, mist swirled up behind the trailer and made the back cages and turkeys wet and some of the 

turkeys were hypothermic. 

 I demonstrated the three trailers to and . The two gentlemen said a further investigation 

into the wet conditions of the back cages of the trailers would be performed. 

 After I entered the establishment I reviewed the DOA numbers for the flock. The numbers were: 

Trailer DOAs Trailer DOAs 

1304 19 1101 15 

0706 38 1402 47 

1406 20 0705 5 

9821 13 

The average number of DOAs per load for was 22.4 carcasses. 

 The next lot of turkeys processed was from which is 27 miles for the Jennie-O-Turkey, Melrose processing facility. The average number of DOAs per load for 

was 2.75. were similar size birds to . 

Sincerely, 

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(4) (b)(4) (b)(4) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(4) (b)(4)(b)(4) (b)(4) (b)(4) (b)(4) (b)(6)
25 P544 Jennie-O 

Turkey Store 

Sales

KXJ450405

2405G

5-May-17 At approximately 3:10 I was down in the live hang area observing Good Commercial Practices. I saw the plant trying to retrieve a live bird off the hoist before trying to pull an 

empty trailer out of the live hang bay. It took some time to get the bird out. When they got the bird out, the live hang lead person checked for birds on the hoist from the front end of 

the truck once more with the flashlight on the driver's side and once more with the flashlight on the passenger's side before pulling the truck out. When the truck was pulled out, 

however, there was a bird lying in the wheel tracks on the passenger's side at the rear end of the hoist. The bird was bloody and was convulsing, revealing that it had just been run over.

I met with after the incident, and we initiated discussion about preventive measures, such as:

Ways to prevent birds from getting down on the hoist where they can get run over, such as by decreasing the space between the live hang mezzanines and the live haul trailers.

Ways to increase personnel awareness about birds that do end up down on the hoist so they can be retrieved without being run over, such as by checking with the flashlights from both 

ends of the truck.

25 P544 Jennie-O 

Turkey Store 

Sales

KXJ280405

2831G

31-May-17 While down in the live hang area doing ante mortem on a new lot of birds, I observed a DOA carcass in the Condemned barrel exhibiting signs of abuse, such as the skin over the breast 

of the bird being torn open, fully exposing the breast meat. I discussed with that birds should not be coming off the trucks looking abused like that, and 

that that message should be relayed to the live hang crew(s). Later I discussed th same with

85 P646 JCG Foods of 

Georgia, LLC

XAA01230

50130G

30-May-17 On May, 29, 2017 at approximately 1453 hours, while performing good commercial practice task in the live hang area observed team member pick up DOA from the 

floor and throw it in the red bin. The bin was full and the team member began to pull it to be dumped in the offal drain. As the team member started to dump the bin she asked him to 

stop so she could observe the birds in the bin. The team member began to hand pick up the birds one by one and throw them in the drain. Halfway down in the bin observed 

a live bird breathing hard, this bird had dead birds piled on top of it and would have been dumped in the drain alive. This establishment had a similar incident that occurred and had put 

in place that they would remove the heads of birds prior to placing them in the DOA bin, they failed to do this. Their failure to remove the heads prior to putting them in the DOA bin has 

been discussed with management as recently as 2 weeks ago when they were observed throwing them in the bin without removing their heads. The bird was removed from the red bin 

and hung on the line to be slaughtered. Management, specifically the and , was notified of their failure to 

comply with good commercial practices. They stated that they had a new employee in live hang performing this job. stated that training would be completed with the 

supervisor concerning putting new personnel on these duties. The PPIA, Agency Regulations, and Federal Register do require that live poultry be handled in a manner that is consistent 

with good commercial practices. I notified that this issue would be documented in a MOI and will be forwarded to the District Office and the District Veterinary Medical 

Specialist (DVMS) in case additional follow-up is recommended.

85 P6505 Norman W. 

Fries, Inc.

BBA28080

55011G

11-May-17 Est. P6505, Norman W. Fries Inc., May 10, 2017, 1040 hours. In attendance

At approximately 1040 hours, while performing a routine Poultry Good Commercial Practices, and myself observed a chicken with it's leg hung on the right side of the Cage 

Dump Belt. This was causing the other chickens to travel over this chicken. I informed of this finding. I reminded that PPIA and Agency regulations do require 

that live poultry be handled in a manner that is consistent with good commercial practices (GCPs), and that they not die from causes other than slaughter. I informed and 

 that I would be documenting this incident on an MOI.

At approximately 1300 hours, I was informed that repairs had been made to the Cage Dump Chute to prevent the chickens from getting their legs caught at the edge of the belt. 

 also informed me that he had ordered two mirrors that will be hung to enable the operators to check the belt to ensure no birds were hung in the future.

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85 P6505 Norman W. 

Fries, Inc.

BBA31080

54111G

11-May-17 Est. P-6505, Norman W. Fries Inc.,May 10,2017, 1100 hours. In attendance

At approximately 1040 hours while performing A scheduled Poultry Good Commercial Practices procedure in the Cage Dump Area, I observed one live chicken with it's leg hung on the 

right side of the Cage Dump Belt. The other birds were rolling off this belt over this chicken. I also observed a dead chicken with it's leg hung on the left side of the of the same belt. This 

bird had been dead so long that it was stiff when removed from the belt. I notified and of this finding.I reminded and that the PPIA 

and the Agency regulations do require that live poultry be handled in a manner that is consistent with good commercial practices(GCPs), and that they do not die from causes other than 

slaughter

90 P6651 Tyson Foods 

Inc.

MSO01180

54409G

9-May-17 On Tuesday May 9, 2017 at approximately 1423 hour while performing an Ante Mortem inspection and a Good Commercial Practice Check, I observed a large (approximately two foot) 

pile of feathers and filth densely packed at the end of the live hang belt leading to the dead on arrival transfer belt. Last night I spoke with a supervisor after finding a live bird in this pile 

and expressed my concern that this could lead to birds becoming crushed and dying by means other than slaughter which would result in a Good Commercial Practices MOI. This area 

needed to be kept free of debris to prevent birds from being trapped in debris and becoming crushed/suffocating. Today when I saw the pile of debris I again expressed my concerns to 

the live hang supervisor at which time I was told that it would be cleaned out at break time. I took my flash light and looked closer and saw a breathing bird buried in the feathers and 

filth that was in imminent danger of dying by suffocation. I notified the supervisor that there was a live bird in the pile and it needed to be cleaned immediately. The supervisor and an 

additional employee cleaned out about half of the pile and a second live bird was removed from deep in the debris. I checked the pile again and there was a third live/breathing bird 

towards the bottom of the pile that I asked them to get out as well. I had them remove the rest of the debris under the belt to verify there were no more live birds in the pile. I

explained at this time that the USDA FSIS takes treatment of birds prior to slaughter very seriously. If the birds would have been allowed to remain in the pile of debris until it was 

cleaned out at break they would have died by means other than slaughter, which is unacceptable. This area needs to be cleaned and monitored for live birds at all times. 

Once the incident occurred today supervision was informed that an MOI would result from these issues. 

As per Federal Register Notice Docket No. 04-037N dated September 28, 2005, Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter, the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) strongly encourages 

all establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry to make every effort to treat poultry humanely and abide by the Good Commercial Practices (GCPs) as described by industry 

guidelines. 

My observations are consistent with less than good commercial practices. 

A copy of this Memorandum of Interview will be forwarded to appropriate personnel in the District Office. 

Respectfully submitted on May 9, 2017. 

Cc: 

Dr. David Thompson, DDM 

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6)

(b)(6)
90 P6666 Koch Foods 

of Gadsden, 

LLC

GQH56120

53631G

31-May-17 On Tuesday May 16, 2017 while performing an Ante Mortem inspection and a Good Commercial Practice Check, I observed several incidents of unacceptable bird 

handling/mistreatment. At approximately 0009 I entered the live hang area; had been present as well. There is a metal plate preset that dead on arrival birds 

roll under to become separated from the live birds that get hung on the shackles. Live birds were piling up at the end of the first belt that feeds evisceration lines one and two. The birds 

were continually rolling under the metal plate as well as over the top of the plate. On several instances legs, wings and heads would get hung under the plate. The belt operator 

continued to move the belt forward despite a pile of birds being present and pressed up against the plate. The Supervisor lowered the speed of the belt two different times. After each 

time the birds were still piling at the end of the belt. During these observations three completely flattened/crushed and blood soaked dead birds came in over an approximately ten 

minute period. After the third bird was seen and the birds were no longer piling at the end of the belt I went to observe the dump cage area to try to determine the cause of the crushed 

birds. The establishment employee that was operating this particular dump cage was the same one that was leaving birds in cages and soaking them with the water pressure hoses that 

in part resulted in the Good Commercial Practice Memorandum of Interview GQH0812054831 issued the previous night s shift. At approximately 0024, the first cage that was observed 

to be dumped, I observed a bird get crushed under the cage. Once the cage was automatically moved back away from the belt bringing birds into the establishment there was a bloody, 

badly injured bird that had been crushed under the cage. The operator went out to the bird, attempted to cervically dislocate the bird and threw it from the dump cage stage to a 

condemned barrel that was on the ground. I asked the operator to not dump any more cages and to please get his supervisor. came out to meet me and I informed him 

of the incident, explained to him this was again unacceptable treatment of birds and that I was going to apply a Tag not to let the employee operate any further and we needed to have a 

meeting in the USDA office. I applied U.S. rejected Tag B3802788 at approximately 0026. At 0028 I observed the bird that had been thrown into the condemned barrel and it was still 

breathing. I looked up to the catwalk where the Supervisor was still present and informed him that the bird was still alive. The dump cage operator then stated that he had, “broke its 

neck.” This was the only bird present in the barrel, I reached in the barrel, felt the bird s chest and then again notified the Supervisor that the bird is alive, it was breathing and had a 

heartbeat. I also asked if they could please humanely euthanize the bird. The employee then came down and manually decapitated the bird. A meeting was then held with 

 and at approximately 0037 hour. The incident, the gravity of the situation and that further documentation would 

occur were explained during the meeting. The proposed corrective actions were that the employee would be suspended, retrained on animal welfare issues prior to being allowed to 

return to work and a back-up operator would be utilized. Maintenance would also fabricate a slide to prevent birds from being able to climb back onto the stage where the cages are 

moved as the second dump cage stage has that could likely be started in the morning. I informed them that I would remove the Tag when a new employee was in place and observe 

operations. The Rejected Tag was removed at approximately 0052. 

As per Federal Register Notice Docket No. 04-037N dated September 28, 2005, “Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter,” the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) strongly 

encourages all establishments engaged in the slaughter of poultry to make every effort to treat poultry humanely and abide by the Good Commercial Practices (GCPs) as described by 

industry guidelines. 

My observations are consistent with less than good commercial practices. 

A copy of this Memorandum of Interview will be forwarded to appropriate personnel in the District Office. 

(b)(6) (b)(6)

(b)(6)

(b)(6) (b)(6)
90 P6666 Koch Foods 

of Gadsden, 

LLC

GQH08120

54831G

31-May-17 On Sunday May 14, 2017 at approximately 2350 hour while performing an Ante Mortem inspection and a Good Commercial Practice Check, I observed a weak moribund dorsally recumbent bird with shallow 

respirations in an empty cage loaded onto a trailer that was full of other empty cages. Additionally the bird had deep lacerations to each of its digits on its right limb. The bird appeared to be suffering and in danger of 

dying by means other than slaughter due to its weak condition. At that time I asked , who had been with me, to get a supervisor came to the trailer where the bird was 

located. I explained at this time that this was unacceptable to leave a bird in a cage and for birds to die by means other than slaughter, I also pointed out the severe injury to the birds digits and let

know that USDA FSIS takes mistreatment of birds very seriously. I also notified him that there had been three loose birds in the yard with fork lift drivers driving around and USDA had to search for an establishment 

employee to come catch the birds, this could lead to birds becoming crushed. There was also a fourth bird loose in the trailer holding shed. At approximately 0010 hours while observing the dump cages, an additional 

bird was seen that had been left in a cage on the dump cage platform. Once the cages are dumped they are then sprayed out with high pressure water to clean them prior to being automatically moved to the end of 

the platform where they are picked up by the forklift. The bird that had been left in the cage had been sprayed with the pressurized water and the doors to the cages had been closed; the cage was being moved to the 

end of the platform to be picked up by the forklift and none of the establishment employees had seen the bird. At that time USDA waved at the dump cage operator and asked him to stop what he was doing and 

notified him that a bird was still in the cage. The employee got the bird from the cage and returned it to production. again got I informed him of the incident and this was at this point was 

going to result in an MOI and potentially further action if bird mistreatment continued to occur. An additional GCP check was done at approximately 0135, at 0139 myself and were standing on the 

catwalk observing the same cage dump region, with the same operator working, where the previous incident occurred and again a bird was left in the cage, went unnoticed by both the cage dump operator and the 

supervisor and was drenched with water by the pressure hose. I immediately told the supervisor and showed him the bird. He had the dump cage operator remove the bird and place it back into production. I asked 

the operator to stop dumping the cages while I filled out U.S. Rejected Tag B38027087, I had to walk down the stairs of the catwalk, around the outside of the cage dump stage and up another set of stairs to apply the 

tag; while doing this the operator dumped an additional cage after being informed to no longer do so in front of supervision. The tag was applied at 0144 and he was again told to no longer operate nor remove the tag.

Supervision was told to meet with me in the USDA office when they had corrective actions to resume operations to prevent reoccurrence. A meeting was held with the following establishment

and . I was told that an additional employee would be stationed to the side of the dump cages as a temporary corrective measure to monitor for birds left in cages until lights could 

be installed over the cages which could possibly be done in the morning. I told them that we could try these measures and see if they would work but this could not continue to happen and I would remove the Rejected 

Tag. The tag was removed at approximately 0210. After removing the tag, which occurred during lunch break I walked through live hang. Where the second belt from the far dump cage, there are two, enters the 

building the protective rubber flap that prevents the birds from getting into the belt gears was bent away there was a live bird tucked under the belt in between the gears that was at risk of being crushed when the belt 

was restarted. Additionally at the end of the belt there were 12 dead birds with two additional live birds in the pile at the very end of the belt. There were not any establishment employees or any supervisors in the 

area. I immediately went to the supervisor’s office to find at approximately 0216 and asked him to accompany me to the area to show him these situations. I informed him that the protective cover to 

the belt/gears must be fixed prior to resuming production after lunch break. He had already been informed earlier in the evening that live birds could not intermingle with dead birds. At approximately 0309 

informed me that the belts covers had been fixed, I observed the corrective actions. Metal plates had been put up in place of the previous rubber ones, production resumed at approximately 0310. 

was verbally informed that due to birds being repeatedly mistreated by establishment personnel, the incidents described above occurring in such a short period of time, Supervision not reacting and 

correcting the bird handling/mistreatment, the establishments equipment in disrepair that could have caused further injury to birds, as well as live birds comingling with dead birds that formal documentation would 

occur. 

As per Federal Register Notice Docket No. 04-037N dated September 28, 2005, “Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter,” the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) strongly encourages all establishments engaged in 

the slaughter of poultry to make every effort to treat poultry humanely and abide by the Good Commercial Practices (GCPs) as described by industry guidelines. 

My observations are consistent with less than good commercial practices. 

A copy of this Memorandum of Interview will be forwarded to appropriate personnel in the District Office. 

Respectfully submitted, 

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6)

(b)(6)

(b)(6) (b)(6)
35 P727 Simmons 

Prepared 

Foods, Inc.

VCF32130

52902G

2-May-17 On May 2, 2017, at approximately 11 00 hours, , met with 

The following is a synopsis of the discussion and events regarding not slaughtering in accordance with good commercial practices: At approximately 06:35 hours while attempting to find 

 to determine the reason for early break observed maintenance personnel in the hanging room. While looking for in the live hang area, I observed that birds 

and carcasses had been left on the line for Kill Line 2. As I observed the live birds/carcasses, I observed the establishment had performed kill cuts on carcasses between the end of the 

guide bar for the heads/necks and as far as they could reach toward the stunner (approximately 6 carcasses). I observed four carcasses that were in the neck/head guide bar. The 

carcasses appeared stunned with no kill cut across their neck. As I continued observing, I observed approximately 20 birds in the stunner. After waiting an appropriate amount of time in 

which the carcasses should have regained consciousness and observing no breathing, I requested . After testing to determine if the carcass was responsive to stimuli, the 

carcasses were removed from the line. Three of the four carcasses were deceased with the fourth (which was in the widest part of the guide bar) resumed breathing and regained 

consciousness upon removal. Based on my professional experience, knowledge, and observations, the carcasses most likely asphyxiated from the neck/head guide bar. Then, I informed 

 that allowing carcasses to asphyxiate is not consistent with being slaughtered in accordance with good commercial practices. informed me repeatedly that the line 

broke down and inquired about how they were supposed to prevent unanticipated equipment breakdowns. I informed that carcasses must be slaughtered in accordance with 

good commercial practices and although equipment breakdowns cannot be anticipated, we still cannot allow carcasses to die by asphyxiation or other methods inconsistent with good 

commercial practices. At approximately 07 05 hours, the establishment resumed production on Kill Line 1 as company break had ended. I observed that a large number of birds were 

fluttering as they approached the kill machine and after passing through the kill machine. The establishment had two back-up killers present which were struggling to perform kill cuts on 

the carcasses. This indicated to me based on my professional knowledge and experience that the stunner had not been turned on. The establishment immediately corrected and was 

later confirmed by establishment management. Once the line was repaired (approximately 40 minutes after the malfunction of the kill line), the carcasses from the stunner were 

removed from the line and disposed of via condemn barrels. 

At approximately 11:00 hours, I met with and informed him that birds must be slaughtered in accordance with good commercial practices. My observations indicated that they 

had not and that I was issuing an MOI documenting our discussion. At this time, I also discussed my observations regarding the carcasses that appeared to enter the kill machine 

without being stunned. verbally informed me of plans to prevent recurrence and I requested those plans in writing. A verbal synopsis of the actions that will be taken when a 

Kill line malfunctions were: stunners turned off, birds removed to prevent drowning/persistent stunning, and kill cuts will be performed on birds within the head/neck guide bar to 

prevent asphyxiation. 

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:10 hours.

80 P764 Perdue 

Foods, LLC

CUA17130

50211G

11-May-17 During a walk-through with the Raleigh District Office DVMS, both stunners (one on each kill line) were observed to be full of water with birds hanging above and heads/necks 

submerged in the electrified water. The twenty or so birds in each stunner were observed to be lifeless and got that way as a result of asphyxiation instead of proper slaughter. Upon 

recognizing that the situation existed, a plant employee opened the valve on the stunner to lower the water level. was informed in the 

receiving office at approximately 12:30 pm and indicated that appropriate disciplinary action would be taken for poor job performance.

was later informed of the incident in the main hallway of the plant. He indicated that this condition was handled appropriately several other times during the day, but this time it was 

overlooked.

I have provided plant management with a copy of the Federal Register Notice 04-037N, “Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter.” This information can assist the establishment in 

considering means of assessing and improving their handling and slaughter procedures, by adopting a systematic approach which focuses on treating poultry in a manner that minimizes 

excitement, discomfort, and accidental injury during the entire time that live poultry are held for slaughter.

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6)
25 P7669 Turkey Valley 

Farms LLC

RZB25050

51723G

23-May-17 Est. 7669p, Turkey Valley Farms, May 25th, 2017. In attendance: 

, and Steve Seward, General Manager 

On Monday 5/15/17 I observed that the breeder hen lot from Missouri had 118 out of 5184 head Dead-On-Arrival (2.28%). During the weekly meeting on 5/18/17 the establishment was 

notified of this finding and Mr. Seward emailed me on Friday stating that there were storms in Missouri (as well as Marshall, MN) the evening that the birds we loaded and traveling. He 

stated that he firmly believes the high DOA rate on Monday can be attributed to the storms seeing that birds came from the same flock on Tuesday and Wednesday with no DOA issues. 

I reviewed the last 5 months of PHIS information (January 1, 2017- May 25, 2017). There were 14 lots with DOA counts exceeding 1% of which 9 instances were breeder hens from 

various growers in Missouri, 2 were from the same flock of light hens from Nebraska, and the remaining 3 flocks were from Minnesota. During weekly meeting discussions, Mr. Seward 

informed USDA that the high counts were due to inclement weather. The following DOA counts were observed: 

1/5/17: 5 out of breeder toms from Minnesota 

1/9/17: 160 out of breeder hens from Missouri * 

1/27/17: 177 out of breeder hens from Missouri 

2/3/17: 449 out of light hens from Nebraska 

2/8/17: 86 out of breeder hens from Minnesota 

2/9/17: 639 out of light hens from Nebraska 

3/9/17: 273 out of breeder hens from Missouri 

3/14/17: 39 out of breeder toms from Minnesota 

3/20/17: 111 out of breeder hens from Missouri * 

3/27/17: 137 out of breeder hens from Missouri* 

4/10/17: 223 out of breeder hens from Missouri * 

4/26/17: 101 out of breeder hens from Missouri 

5/15/17: 118 out of breeder hens from Missouri * 

5/25/17: 106 out of breeder hens from Missouri 

On 5/25/17, a discussion with Mr. Seward was held. I informed him of the above dates and DOA numbers. He notified me that he has observed that the majority of issues are from flocks 

slaughtered on a Monday, these have been marked with (*) on the list. We discussed updating the GCP paneling procedures and conducting training for semi-drivers. Mr. Seward 

informed me that he would look to modifying their scheduling due to time of loading and/or inclement weather forecast.

(b)(6) (b) (4) (b) (4) (b) (4) (b) (4) (b) (4) (b) (4) (b) (4) (b) (4) (b) (4) (b) (4) (b) (4) (b) (4) (b) (4) (b) (4)
80 P935 Allen Harim 

Foods, LLC.

YXA50160

50119G

19-May-17 At approximately 1718 hours while performing Good Commercial Practice verification I observed that there was no denaturant on the birds in the DOA bin. I removed several birds off 

the top and noticed that there were a couple of layers of DOAs that did not have a denaturant. came over to the DOA bin and as we were moving 

DOAs around in the bin, a few of them were moving. Upon investigation, a live bird was found buried under approximately 4 DOA birds. I then traveled outside to the dumping station 

and observed a trailer of live birds stationed in the direct sunlight, with no fans or misters. The outside temperature was approximately 87 degrees Fahrenheit.

 and were notified of the possible suffocation of the live bird in the DOA bin and the mishandling of birds that could cause 

death prior to slaughter. Two “fire fans” were placed beside the trailer to cool the birds. 

 It is recommended that the establishment management review the Federal Register (attached) on “Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter”, published September 2005 for FSIS 

recommendations concerning treatment of live poultry prior to slaughter. I notified that this MOI will be forwarded to the District Office and the District Veterinary Medical 

Specialist (DVMS) in case additional follow-up is recommended. 

Respectfully,

, 

Allen Harim Foods, P-935

Harbeson, DE. 19951

80 P935 Allen Harim 

Foods, LLC.

YXA58180

54323G

23-May-17 At approximately 1953 hours while verifying Good Commercial Practice in the cage dump area, I observed 3 live birds under the small bird dump station. I continued outside to perform 

antemortem inspection of the live birds in the trailers. Upon my return I observed an establishment employee gathering the loose live birds under the dumping station and tossing them 

over the stainless steel wall of the live hang belt and onto the belt that transfers the live birds into the facility. While catching the last bird the employee grabbed and carried the live 

bird by the head and neck then tossed the live bird over the stainless steel wall of the live hang belt and onto the belt that transfers the live birds into the facility. This stainless steel wall 

is approximately 7 to 8 feet off the ground. 

was notified of the mistreatment of birds and advises the establishment that preventing mistreatment of poultry decreases the 

production of adulterated carcasses. 

 It is recommended that the establishment management review the Federal Register (attached) on “Treatment of Live Poultry before Slaughter”, published September 2005 for FSIS 

recommendations concerning treatment of live poultry prior to slaughter. I notified that this MOI will be forwarded to the District Office and the District Veterinary medical 

Specialist (DVMS) in case additional follow-up is recommended. 

 Respectfully, 

 Allen Harim Foods, P-935 

 Harbeson, DE. 19951

(b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6) (b)(6)