Section 1246.2 - Handling of Poultry for SlaughterRegardless of the humane method of slaughter employed, the handling of poultry in connection with slaughter shall meet the following criteria.
(a) Poultry shall be delivered to the stunning area in transport cages or other equipment that is of sufficient size to accommodate the size of poultry being presented for slaughter. Cages must be in good repair, free of broken wire, rough areas, holes, sharp projections, and other protrusions to avoid injury to the poultry.(b) If improper or injurious conditions exist at delivery to the poultry slaughter establishment, the PMI or Branch inspector shall immediately halt slaughter activity until the discrepancy is corrected. A "State of California Rejected/Retained Tag" shall be attached to each cage identified with improper or injurious conditions by the PMI or Branch inspector. The unacceptable conditions shall be corrected immediately by poultry slaughter establishment or its designated representative. The "State of California Rejected/Retained Tag" shall be removed by the PMI or Branch inspector after corrective actions have been taken.(c) Poultry delivered for slaughter shall be held in a location with adequate ventilation to prevent overheating and shall have protection from exposure to adverse weather conditions.(d) Poultry shall be stunned, rendered unconscious, or killed before bleeding. Stunned poultry shall remain in a state of surgical anesthesia through completion of the bleeding process.(e) Bleeding shall be accomplished by severing both carotid arteries or by decapitation. Sufficient bleeding time (approximately 2 to 3 minutes) shall be allowed to prevent the unacceptable condition known as "red skins" which may occur with insufficient bleeding.(f) PMIs shall be trained in humane methods of handling poultry.(g) Slaughter and handling of poultry shall be performed by operators in a proper and humane manner.(h) Each poultry slaughter establishment shall ensure that poultry handlers, slaughterers, and operators have been instructed in the humane methods of handling poultry and operating stunning and slaughter equipment before being assigned to such duties.(i) Non-commercial stunning or anesthetizing equipment shall not be used.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 3, § 1246.2
1. Renumbering of former section 1245.3 to new section 1246.2, including amendment of section and NOTE, filed 3-19-2009; operative 4-18-2009 (Register 2009, No. 12). Note: Authority cited: Sections 407 and 19501.5, Food and Agricultural Code. Reference: Sectionss 19501 and 19501.5, Food and Agricultural Code.
1. Renumbering of former section 1245.3 to new section 1246.2, including amendment of section and Note, filed 3-19-2009; operative 4-18-2009 (Register 2009, No. 12).