The Eden Valley Poultry plant in Berwick, Nova Scotia, Canada, has resumed production on a limited bases, after idling operations because of COVID-19 concerns.
On December 11, the Nova Scotia provincial government announced that the plant would temporarily close for at least two weeks, after cases of COVID-19 were detected at the facility.
However, according to a press release on the Eden Valley Poultry website, the plant was approved to reopen on December 21, on a limited basis with reduced headcount and operational capacity.
“This approval was granted with the understanding that we will continue to follow stringent health and safety measures,” the company said. “Our temporary operating model will provide a safe and healthy environment for our employees and our community, whilst ensuring chickens and turkeys are humanely processed and we continue to produce food in accordance with our internationally accredited quality and safety standards.”
After about 430 Eden Valley Poultry workers were tested for COVID-19 on December 10, with six workers testing positive, the company said. Only employees who have not been identified as having close, prolonged contact with the infected workers are being allowed to return to work.
Eden Valley Poultry said that in addition to strict screening, masking, and cleaning protocols, it implemented these additional safety measures:
- Each department has been assigned to isolated areas of the plant, with designated start and end times to eliminate cross-cohort activity.
- Additional Compliance Officers have been identified to monitor and enforce strict adherence to our safety protocols.
- Only approved personnel have access to the building, and a company-approved mask must always be worn (unless eating or drinking in approved lunchroom areas).
- COVID-19 screening questions, temperature checks, and proper handwashing are required, upon entering the plant.
- Any movement within the building requires one-direction travel, and signage onsite helps manage traffic flow.
- Modifications have been made to the main lunchrooms and the company has established additional on site-specific eating areas for increased physical distancing.
“Our focus remains on the safety and well-being of our employees and our community, and all these measures meet or exceed the standards set by the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety’s guidelines for reducing the risk of COVID19 in food manufacturing plants. We will continue to work with the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA), provincial Department of Agriculture, Health and Wellness, the Department of Labour, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), to ensure safe operations,” the company stated.
Eden Valley Poultry, Canada’s largest privately owned poultry company, formed in 2008 through a venture between United Poultry Producers Incorporated and Maple Lodge Holding Corporation, according to the company’s website. The company acquired the Berwick plant from Maple Leaf Foods, which closed the plant in 2011. Eden Valley Poultry facility refurbished and reopened the plant in 2012.
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