iiiiii United States Department of Agriculture 

December 26, 2023 

Donald’s Meat Processing, LLC 

M39968 ELECTRONIC MAIL on DECEMBER 26, 2023 

194 McCorkle Drive 

Lexington, VA 24450 

donaldsmeatprocessing@gmail.com; 

(b) (6)

@gmail.com; 

540-463-2333 

Attention: Charles A Potter, Jr. (Member Manager); Rosalea Potter (Plant Manager) 

NOTICE OF REINSTATMENT OF SUSPENSION HELD IN ABEYANCE 

On December 13, 2023, your establishment received official notification from the Food Safety and 

Inspection Service (FSIS) of the reinstatement of suspension of the assignment of inspection 

personnel for slaughter operations at Donald’s Meat Processing, LLC, Est. M39968. The decision 

to re-suspend inspection at your establishment was based on the determination by FSIS that your 

establishment failed to slaughter and handle animals humanely. 

On December 13, 14, 15, & 18, 2023, you provided FSIS with proposed responses to the 

suspension action. You submitted additional corrective actions in the form of a response to a Show 

Cause letter issued to your establishment on December 18, 2023. Those additional responses were 

submitted on December 19, 21, 22, and 26, 2023. Your responses outlined written corrective and 

preventive measures to bring your establishment into compliance with humane handling of 

livestock requirements and to achieve compliance with the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) 

(Title 21 of the United States Code {21 U.S.C} 603), the Humane Methods of Slaughter act of 

1978 (HMSA) (7 U.S.C. 1901 et seq.), and federal regulations {Title 9 of the Code of Federal 

Regulations (9 CFR) parts 313}. Based on your submitted written assurances, we have determined 

that the reinstated suspension of the assignment of inspectors for slaughter operations at your plant 

will be held in abeyance, in accordance with 9 CFR Part 500.5(e). 

The reinstated suspension will remain in abeyance pending verification by FSIS that your proposed 

corrective and preventive measures have been effectively implemented. Plant personnel should 

monitor operations to prevent violations of humane handling and slaughter from occurring in the 

future. It is also important for you to understand the responsibility of FSIS to initiate action when 

there is a failure to operate in accordance with 9 CFR Part 313 of the regulations. 

A copy of the FSIS Verification Plan is enclosed to assist you in understanding the nature and 

importance of the Agency’s verification activities. This FSIS Verification Plan is designed to 

verify that your establishment fully implements the corrective actions proffered in your proposed 

corrective actions, and that these revisions and corrective actions are effective in assuring ongoing 

regulatory compliance. It identifies your corrective action elements, the relevant regulatory 

requirements, the PHIS task under which corrective action elements will be verified, and the 

monitoring frequency. Only FSIS can amend the verification plan and any modifications to your 

submitted acceptable corrective actions made during the abeyance period will need to be submitted 
Charles A Potter, Member/Manager Notice of Reinstatement of Suspension Held in Abeyance 

Donald's Meat Processing, LLC December 26, 2023 

in writing to FSIS for verification of compliance prior to implementation by your establishment. 

FSIS will begin verification of your proposed actions before staitup of your next scheduled 

slaughter. 

Please be advised that, as a federally inspected establishment, you ai·e expected to comply with 

FSIS regulations and to take appropriate conective action to prevent Inhumane Handling of 

Livestock at your establishment. Your failure to comply with these requirements or to implement 

the measures in your action plan could result in reinstatement of the suspension of inspection at 

your establishment or other appropriate administrntive or legal action. 

If you have any questions, please conta.ct Todd Furey via telephone at 919-326-5281 or via 

electrnnic mail at todd.furey2@usda.gov. Additionally, you can contact Raleigh Disti·ict Office 

at 919-844-8400 or by fax at 844-839-6359. 

Sincerely, 

Digitally signed by ARIAL 

ARIAL GUPTON ~~:~~~23. 12.26 16:14:32 

-os·oo· 

Todd Furey 

Disti·ict Manager 

cc: S. Johnson, EARO/FO 

L Ho1ie11 RD/CID/OIEA 

, HHECIFO 

y, 0 

-R. Mmphy, DDM/RDO/FO 

M. Roling, DDM/RDO/FO 

A. Gu ton, DDM/RDO/FO 

DCS/RDO/FO 

DVMS/RDO/FO 

, SEIAO/RDO/FO 

, Program ManagerNDACS 

, Inspection ManagerNDACS 

SupervisorNDACS 

State Public Health Veterinai-ianNDACS 

State Public Health VeterinarianNDACS 

, IIC/VDACS 

Quaiierly Enforcement Report 

Establishment File (Est. M39968) 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Establishment Name: Donald’s Meat Processing 

Establishment Number: M39968 

Two-Week Period Ending: 

Reason for Verification: On 12/13/2023, Establishment M39968 was issued a NOROS for 

failure to meet 9 CFR 313 of the regulations. On 12/26/2023, the establishment was issued a 

NOROSHIA after submitting acceptable corrective actions and preventive measures. 

Information for Establishment Management: This verification plan was created from the 

corrective actions and preventive measures which were submitted to, and which were 

accepted by, the Raleigh District Office. As such, any changes to these corrective actions and 

preventive measures needs to be approved by the Raleigh District Office prior to 

implementation. 

Instructions for completion of Humane Handling and Slaughter Verification form: 

1. "Results of Verification" column should be recorded as "Acceptable", "Unacceptable", or 

"N/A" 

2. "Inspection Actions" column should be used to document unacceptable findings or any 

additional corrective actions taken in compliance with 9 CFR 313. 

3. The implementation and effectiveness of the establishment's corrective actions should be 

verified at the frequencies stated below. The in-plant inspection team (IPP) can request, 

through supervisory channels, a change in the frequencies when the determination is made 

that the establishment has effectively implemented the corrective 

actions. 4. Each day 

verification activities are performed, IPP should add a Directed Livestock Humane Handling 

Verification task in PHIS and use the justification "Verification Plan for Enforcement Actions" to 

justify the scheduling of the Directed task. 

5. IPP will provide bi-weekly verification updates detailing the results of verification activities 

and submit to the SPHV/FLS for review. 

6. The completed bi-weekly report will be submitted via email to 

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

, District 

Veterinary Medical Specialist, and to , District Case Specialist. 

Items to Verify Results of 

Verification 

Inspection Actions 

1. Verify that kill floor 

employees have reviewed 

documentation that 

demonstrates stunning 

placement for all species. 

(Once) 

2. Verify that employees have 

signed off that they 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

understand proper firearm 

placement. (Once) 

3. Verify that employees have 

reviewed the Slaughter SOP 

document and have signed 

off that they have 

read/understand it. (Once) 

4. Verify that employees have 

reviewed the Kill Floor 

Employee Handbook and 

that they have signed off 

that they have 

read/understand it. (Once) 

5. Verify that any new 

employees complete 30 

days of training on the kill 

floor before they are able 

to use a firearm or stun an 

animal. (As applicable) 

6. Verify that after the 30-day 

training period, a new 

employee completes 

additional training on 

Custom or non-USDA 

inspected animals under 

the supervision of a trained 

employee. (As applicable) 

7. Verify that employee 

training also includes gun 

cleaning and maintenance 

and is administered by a 

senior level employee. (As 

applicable) 

8. Verify that all employees 

have a firearm safety 

certificate, a hunter safety 

certificate, or have 

completed a firearm safety 

course. (Once, and as then 

applicable for new 

employees) 
 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Verify that there is an 

annual review of all 

employees and that review 

is recorded in the employee 

training manual. (As 

applicable) 

10. Verify that the guns are 

cleaned daily after use. 

(Daily, as applicable) 

11. Verify that gun cleaning is 

documented on the Gun 

Cleaning Log (Daily, as 

applicable) 

12. Verify that the guns are 

sighted for accuracy 

annually. Verify that the 

guns are taken to a 

gunsmith whenever there is 

a question about the 

integrity of the firearm’s 

ability to function properly. 

(As applicable) 

13. Verify that for stunning, 

only one animal is 

presented at a time. (Daily, 

for each slaughter day) 

14. Verify that for stunning of 

sheep/goats, the 

sheep/goat’s head is 

restrained perpendicular to 

the kill floor. (Daily, for 

each slaughter day when 

sheep/goats are harvested) 

15. Verify that sheep/goats are 

stunned using a .22 rifle 

and the stunning shot is 

placed in accordance with 

the stunning placement 

diagram. (Daily, for each 

slaughter day when 

sheep/goats are harvested) 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16. Verify that a loaded .22 rifle 

is available for backup 

when stunning 

sheep/goats. (Daily, for 

each slaughter day, when 

sheep/goats are harvested) 

17. Verify that for stunning of 

cattle, the animal’s head is 

secured in the head 

restraint and that the side 

of the knock box has been 

drawn in for smaller 

animals. (Daily, for each 

slaughter day, when cattle 

are harvested) 

18. Verify that for cattle, a .45 

caliber pistol is used for 

stunning and the stunning 

shot is placed in accordance 

with the stunning 

placement diagram. (Daily, 

for each slaughter day, 

when cattle are harvested) 

19. Verify that for cattle, a .45 

caliber pistol is readily 

available as a back-up 

stunning device. (Daily, for 

each slaughter day, when 

cattle are harvested) 

20. Verify that for swine, the 

sides of the knock box are 

drawn in to reduce the free 

movement of the animals in 

the knock box. (Daily, for 

each slaughter day, when 

swine are harvested) 

21. Verify that for swine, a .22 

Magnum rifle (market size 

hogs) or a .45 caliber pistol 

(older, larger, heavier 

swine) is used for stunning 

and the stunning shot is 

placed in accordance with 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the stunning placement 

diagram. (Daily, for each 

slaughter day, when swine 

are harvested) 

22. Verify that for swine, a .45 

caliber pistol is readily 

available as a back-up 

stunning device. (Daily, for 

each slaughter day, when 

swine are harvested) 

23. For all animals that are 

stunned, verify that the 

employee verifies the 

effectiveness of the stun 

prior to making any further 

cuts. (Daily, for each 

slaughter day) 

24. Verify that stunning 

effectiveness is verified by 

the stunner/operator, a 

humane handling auditor, 

and a member of 

management. (Daily for 

each slaughter day) 

25. Verify that stunning 

effectiveness is 

documented on the 

Slaughter Audit Form. 

(Daily for each slaughter 

day) 

26. Verify that in the event of 

an ineffective initial stun, 

an immediate re-stun is 

performed as appropriate. 

a. If the ineffective stun is due 

to firearm failure, the 

employee should 

immediately retrieve the 

backup stunning device and 

render a second shot. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b. If the ineffective stun is due 

to improper placement, 

employee should 

immediately render a 

second shot in the correct 

location. 

(As applicable) 

27. Verify that if the ineffective 

stun is due to improper 

placement, the employee 

will need to be evaluated as 

appropriate. 

a. If the cause of the issue is 

animal restraint, then the 

restraint issue needs to be 

addressed before further 

slaughter can continue. 

b. If the cause of the issue is 

employee error, then the 

employee will need to be 

evaluated by management 

before stunning can 

continue. 

(As applicable) 

28. Verify that if an animal is 

observed to be conscious at 

any point after it has been 

stunned, an immediate restun should occur. (As 

applicable) 

29. Verify that if a 

stunner/operator is not 

capable of performing the 

stunning, the stunning 

responsibilities are passed 

to another qualified 

stunner. (Daily, for each 

slaughter day, when 

needed) 

30. Verify that if only one 

employee is working on the 

kill floor and that employee 

becomes unable to perform 

stunning duties, all further 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

stunning activity will stop 

until the employee (or a 

suitable replacement) is 

able to continue. (Daily, for 

each slaughter day, when 

needed) 

31. Verify that animals are bled 

out as soon as possible, 

using a sharp knife capable 

of cutting both carotid 

arteries, resulting in rapid 

blood loss. (Daily, for each 

slaughter day) 

32. Verify that once the animal 

has been cut and bled 

effectively, the employees 

follow the HACCP plan 

guidelines to continue the 

slaughter process. Verify 

that employees follow 

alternate procedures for 

cattle >30 months old. 

(Daily for each slaughter 

day, and as applicable) 

33. Verify that flooring in areas 

where animals are moved 

or kept provides traction to 

prevent slipping and falling. 

(Daily for each slaughter 

day) 

34. Verify that loud noises and 

heavy foot traffic are 

limited in animal holding 

areas. (Daily for each 

slaughter day) 

35. Verify daily cleaning of the 

kill floor. (Daily for each 

slaughter day) 

36. Verify that holding pens, 

floors, and walkways are 

cleaned weekly. If an area 

becomes unsafe, verify that 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

it is cleaned immediately. 

(Weekly) 

37. Verify that there is a weekly 

check of the holding pen 

area to ensure animal 

safety. (Weekly) 

38. Verify that a white board is 

in place in the alley in the 

holding pen area to allow 

producers/customers to 

provide information to 

establishment employees. 

(Weekly) 

39. Verify that sanitation 

operating procedures are 

performed each day, 

regardless of the type of 

animals being presented. 

(Daily) 

40. Verify that a kill floor 

employee or a member of 

management is present to 

assist and oversee 

farmers/producers 

delivering animals for 

slaughter. (Daily, as 

applicable) 

41. Verify that any animals 

suspected of having a 

disease or otherwise 

Suspect are segregated to 

await disposition from a 

VDACS veterinarian. (As 

applicable) 

42. Verify that only ambulatory 

animals are accepted and 

unloaded for slaughter. 

(Daily, as applicable) 

43. Verify that all animals in the 

holding pens have access to 

water and that employees 

check for water availability 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and/or cleanliness each 

morning. (Daily) 

44. Verify that all animals held 

longer than 24 hours are 

provided with feed. (Daily, 

as applicable) 

45. Verify that animals are 

moved using only nonelectric prods unless 

deemed necessary for 

animal and/or employee 

safety. Verify management 

approval prior to use of 

electric prod. (Daily, as 

applicable) 

46. Verify that no abuse or 

mistreatment of animals 

occurs. (Daily) 

47. Verify that employees 

follow the Slaughter SOP 

guidelines for Inedible 

Materials, 

Cleaning/Maintenance 

Procedures, and 

Recordkeeping. (Daily) 

Comments and Recommendations 

Two-Week Period Ending: 

IIC Comments/Recommendation: 

SPHV Comments/Recommendation (if not the IIC): 

FLS Comments/Recommendation: