Where decapitation is used as the humane method of poultry slaughter, it shall be subject to the following requirements.
(a) Decapitation may be achieved by manual or automatic means.(b) Decapitation shall be performed using a sharp instrument which achieves the complete severance of the head from the body by cutting all the major vessels of the neck and the spinal cord with a sharp instrument.(c) Regardless of the method employed, it shall cause quick and complete severance of the carotid arteries and the spinal cord.(d) All mechanical and automatic instruments used in this method shall be sharp and inspected frequently for sharpness. The poultry slaughter establishment shall ensure that all instruments and equipment are maintained in a satisfactory manner.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 3, § 1246.12
1. Renumbering of former section 1245.13 to new section 1246.12, including amendment of 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: Sections 19501 and 19501.5, Food and Agricultural Code.
1. Renumbering of former section 1245.13 to new section 1246.12, including amendment of Note, filed 3-19-2009; operative 4-18-2009 (Register 2009, No. 12).