May 19, 2022

BRF makes wearing masks optional for workers, competitors do not

Major Brazilian meatpacker BRF SA has confirmed it has made wearing masks optional for workers at its poultry plant in Carambei municipality, Parana state, but its competitors are keeping their mask requirements, Reuters reported.

BRF said the move comes as COVID-19 cases in Brazil decline and a high number of its workers have completed a full COVID-19 vaccination cycle.

Other major meatpackers, such as JBS SA, said they are keeping mask requirements as part of their COVID prevention protocol. Other firms such as Minerva and Marfrig said the same in statements to Reuters.

Aurora, a privately-owned pork and poultry processor, said it will keep mask requirements at its main facilities as it a requirement for export overseas.

China has continued to maintain strict measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. It has banned several Brazilian meat plants over COVID-19 concerns since the pandemic began.

According to the Brazilian Agriculture Ministry's website, BRF's Carambei plant is authorized to export chicken products to Hong Kong, Egypt, and South Africa.

Workers in BRF's Carambei plant in risk groups, including over 60-year-olds or immunosuppressed individuals, must continue to wear masks.

According to the Carambei labour union, which cited information from BRF, suspending required usage of face masks would conform to a modified national agreement struck between the firm and labour prosecutors over COVID-19 guidelines.

-      Reuters