May 6, 2020

Smithfield Foods reopens South Dakota facility

The United Food and Commercial Workers union said the company began limited operations in its Sioux Falls plant, which was initially closed to halt the spread of COVID-19, reported Reuters.

Smithfield reopened the departments involved in ground seasoned pork production and night cleanups, three weeks after announcing the facility will be closed indefinitely. However, its slaughterhouse operations have not resumed.

China-based WH Group owns Smithfield Foods. 250 workers have returned to work out of 3,700 total

The Sioux Falls, South Dakota facility accounts for 5% of pork production in the United States.

Kim Malsam-Rysdony, South Dakota's Health Secretary said Smithfield Foods has made COVID-19 testing optional for workers. Officials have asked all workers to be tested.

Kristi Noem, South Dakota's Governor said it will organise a COVID-19 testing event for all Smithfield Food workers and dependents. Noem encourages all workers to participate.

Noem also said an inspection of the plant was conducted by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the CDC, 115 meat and poultry processing plants in 19 states have reported COVID-19 cases, with 5,000 cases and 20 deaths among 130,000 workers total.

-      Reuters