Kosher slaughter methods require that rabbis make one long cut across the throat while the animal still is conscious, and the method is allowed under an exemption to federal animal cruelty laws. However, the video shows workers making a second cut to the throat of three still-conscious animals in violation of USDA regulations.

Agriprocessors has opened its facility to visits from outside parties. A tour this past summer included a number of rabbis, community leaders and journalists, to show that the operation is above-board in its practices, despite allegations that have surfaced since nearly 400 Agriprocessors workers were rounded up in May in a raid by agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A similar tour in 2006 included humane treatment expert Dr. Temple Grandin.

After viewing the PETA video, however, Grandin is quoted by the group on its Web site as saying, "The undercover video clearly showed that when they think nobody is looking, they do bad things in this plant."

The USDA has viewed the video, and spokeswoman Amanda Eamich told The New York Times that inspectors from the Food Safety Inspection Service had also witnessed the violation, but had determined that they were "not egregious." The plant is considered by the USDA to be in full compliance with humane slaughter regulations.

PETA found inhumane methods used at the facility in an undercover investigation in 2004. Publicity surrounding that finding led to a months-long investigation at Agriprocessors, and a ruling from the USDA that the company cease certain practices.