August 15, 2020

Maple Leaf Brandon plant in Canada 'not closing down' despite COVID-19 infections

Hog producer Maple Leaf Foods' plant in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, is not closing down despite calls of its workers' union for its closure after eight workers tested positive for COVID-19. The number has increased to 22 as of Aug. 10, Manitoba Co-operator reported on Tuesday, Aug. 11.

Andrew Dickson, general manager of Manitoba Pork, which represents 613 Manitoba hog farms, told the news outlet that "there is no plan being put in place to shut down the plant in Brandon", adding that should the plant close, every effort would be made to find processing capacity for hogs. 

During a briefing on Aug. 10, provincial top doctor Brent Roussin also said the company had gone beyond public health recommendations for safety measures and that there were no plans to shut down the plant, as per report.

The Manitoba Pork Council, meanwhile, is working with plants, provincial authorities and other authorities to cover various scenarios, Dickson said. He added that detailed plans would be drawn up as events unfold.

This year, Canadian pork producers are expected to lose C$675 million (US$509.5 million).