April 27, 2020

COVID-19 outbreak at JBS Brazil poultry factory

20 workers at JBS's poultry plant in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul were infected with COVID-19 according to the state's labour prosecutor's office, reported Reuters.

The affected plant was shut down on April 24, 2020 as part of prosecutors' investigations. Initially, it was reported that 12 workers were infected.

A JBS statement said it followed local health guidelines and kept strict controls in its premises to avoid the spread of COVID-19. However, the company did not comment regarding the COVID-19 outbreak at Passo Fundo.

UOL, a Brazilian news website said 78 JBS workers have been sent home after showing symptoms of flu.

The labour prosecutor's office filed a civil lawsuit against JBS, adding that it was due to the company's failure to follow health authority guidelines.

The prosecutor's representative said JBS did not want to sign a settlement agreement.

JBS denies any breach of health guidelines and said the Passo Fundo factory will open soon. JBS noted that food production is an essential activity amid COVID-19 lockdowns.

The settlement agreement would be similar to one signed by another food processor Companhia Minuano de Alimentos. That company sent home 750 workers, with 16 out of its 2051 workforce testing positive for COVID-19.

-      Reuters