Two employees at the Foster Farms poultry plant in Farmerville, Louisiana, have tested positive for COVID-19.
According to a report from the News Star, Foster Farms was informed of the two positive cases on March 26. The identities of the patients were not released.
"We extend our hopes and support for the full recovery of our employees," a company statement reads. "Presently no other Foster Farms employees have tested positive at Farmerville or any other company facilities."
Foster Farms has acted immediately to protect the other workers at the plant. Following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidance, associates at the Farmerville facility who were designated within close proximity to the diagnosed employees have been contacted, advised to self-quarantine and to seek medical attention if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.
Despite the employee illnesses, Foster Farms says it remains committed to providing a safe supply of poultry products to consumers.
The company made the following statement on its website: “Foster Farms joins our nation as we respond to the challenge of Coronavirus (COVID-19). We recognize that we have a special responsibility to the millions of families that depend on our poultry products to meet their daily nutritional needs, and are working around the clock to restock shelves. We could not do this without the dedication and commitment of our employees, to whom we are grateful. As a family-owned company, employee health and safety has always been among our highest priorities. We are closely following the guidance of the Center for Disease Control (CDC), along with state and local health authorities, and are taking all necessary steps to ensure our employees’ protection and safety.
“The CDC has found no evidence to date that COVID-19 is transmitted either through food or food packaging. As a part of routine operations, Foster Farms has stringent production practices in place that include rigorous sanitation. Our plants are continuously sanitized and approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) before beginning operations each day. We have added to these practices by increasing daily sanitation and personal hygiene checks throughout our facilities, and organizing work flow to enhance social distancing. We will continue to monitor guidance from CDC and USDA, and are prepared to respond quickly.”
Foster Farms, according to the WATT PoultryUSA Top Companies rankings is the 10th largest broiler company in the United States and the country’s 13th largest turkey company. It acquired the Farmerville facility from Pilgrim’s Pride in 2010.
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