A Eureka, Calif., processor has announced that it will stop processing hogs. 

July 7, 2014

1 Min Read
California Pork Producers Lose Slaughterhouse

A Eureka, Calif., processor has announced that it will stop processing hogs. The Humboldt County firm - Redwood Meat Co. - has been serving a host of hog producers and backyard farmers that raise pigs for family, friends, local grocery stores and restaurants.

According to a report from The North Coast Journal, the decision to stop slaughtering pigs came after a March notice from USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which threatened to suspend the company's federal certification after inspectors observed lambs being improperly slaughtered there.

The company's plant manager offered a plan as a result of the suspension, according to the report, adding that the plan included more monitoring at control points at the facility. Officials say that after a verification process, the company will review the idea of processing pigs. The company will have to invest in some plant improvements to bring hog slaughter back online as well. Management does expect to return to hog slaughter in the future.

Humboldt County pork producers still have access to processing in Petaluma, but the distance is a challenge for some producers in the region. Redwood Meat Co. is the only USDA-certified facility in the county. Any meat sold to retail or from a farm's freezer has to be processed in a USDA-inspected plant.

The company continues to process goats, sheep and cattle. Learn more about the plant closure.

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