Pixabay
Pixabay
A local Hormel Foods subsidiary announced on April 24 that it’s suspending production lines at two of its Minnesota turkey-processing factories, according to AP News.
Plant officials say the reason is due to some employees tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
According to the officials at the Jennie-O Turkey Store Inc., 14 workers had tested positive for the coronavirus at two plants in Willmar, which is located in western Minnesota, as of April 24. Records indicate that the two plants employ a total of 1,200 employees.
The AP reports that Willmar plants are the latest to close nationally as many meat processing companies grapple with coronavirus infections among employees. The employees handle thousands of pounds of meat every day. The company is taking extra precautions by suspending production to keep customers and employees safe and healthy.
That leaves many officials with the question of whether meat processing plants can continue to stay virus-free. AP reports that experts say that the answer may be 'no'.
Like other meat processing plants, Hormel Foods employs thousands of workers who have no other choice but to work side by side as they carve thousands of pounds of meat. In a work environment like that, social distancing is virtually impossible.
Because of those work conditions, the chances of catching the coronavirus would remain high.
According to Jennie-O President Steve Lykken, the factories will be cleaning and sanitizing the production lines and storage areas. The companies will remain closed until officials figure out a plan to reopen.
Lykken added that the company has taken vigorous steps to protect plant employees. These steps include mandatory social distancing and providing workers with personal protective equipment.
Dennis Burson, who is an animal science professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, told the AP on April 24 that people are trying, but the virus is hard to control.
“It’s not that people aren’t trying. It’s just that it is very difficult to control this illness,” Burson said.
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