Where electrocution to cardiac arrest is used for the humane slaughter of poultry, it shall be subject to the following requirements.
(a) Poultry may be stun-killed with this method.(b) Sufficient electric current shall be administered to the poultry, depending on size and weight of the species slaughtered, to induce cardiac arrest without the poultry regaining consciousness.(c) The proper voltage and current setting for each lot of birds may vary due to size and weight variations. Voltage may be adjusted to a higher setting to ensure that each poultry is delivered the appropriate amount of current to induce cardiac arrest.(d) After each poultry has been electrocuted, it shall be immediately bled by severing both carotid arteries or by decapitation to allow proper bleeding. Adequate bleeding time shall be allowed for each bird. Since electrocuted poultry does not have heart pumping action to facilitate blood loss, more time (approximately 2 to 3 minutes) should be allowed to achieve complete bleeding before being introduced to the scalding tank.Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 3, § 1246.8
1. Renumbering of former section 1245.9 to new section 1246.8, 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 1245.9 to new section 1246.8, including amendment of Note, filed 3-19-2009; operative 4-18-2009 (Register 2009, No. 12).