An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigation released September 14 identified 23 alleged health and safety violations as the cause of a March 11 ammonia leak at a Foundation Food Group owned poultry processing plant.
These violations included exposure of workers to dermal and respiratory hazards associated with the potential unexpected release of anhydrous ammonia and the failure to install a system that protected employees, among others.
“There is no situation where employees should be expected to risk serious injury or death, especially on the heels of a tragic incident that took the lives of six co-workers,” Acting Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Jim Frederick, said in a statement.
“Foundation Food Group has again flouted their responsibility to assess workplace hazards and ensure measures are taken to protect employees. This is unacceptable and OSHA will continue its mission to hold employers accountable.”
Foundation Food Group is a relatively new food group, formed by the merger of Prime Pak Foods and Victory Processing. In January, the former Prime Pak Foods poultry processing plant, located in Gainesville Georgia, was the site of a liquid nitrogen leak that led to the deaths of six people, as well as the hospitalization of numerous other workers.
Two months later, an ammonia leak occurred at the same facility, prompting a second investigation.
Foundation Food Group faces nearly $600,000 in fines from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) for alleged violations connected to the January incident, but the company has appealed the proposed fines.
Gold Creek Foods, a further processor of chicken products, announced its intent to purchase Foundation Food Group on September 13, stating that “the transaction is expected to close during the first week of October 2021.”
Foundation Food Group has 15 business days to comply with the penalties associated with the March ammonia leak, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
