Press release
COVID-19 outbreak identified at Vancouver food processing plant
B.C.'s Provincial Health Officer rescinds orders for COVID-19
This news release contains information that is more than six months old and may be out of date. On July 26, 2024, B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer issued an order to end the public health emergency for COVID-19 and rescinded all related orders.
Vancouver, B.C. – Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Public Health has declared an outbreak of COVID-19 among staff working at United Poultry Company Ltd., a chicken processing plant located at 534 East Cordova St., Vancouver.
To date, 28 employees of the facility have tested positive for COVID-19. All employees at the facility are being managed as either COVID-19 cases or close contacts and have been told to self-isolate.
VCH Public Health first became aware of a potential outbreak after receiving a positive lab test on Sunday, April 19, from an employee of the plant. In the course of its investigation, a VCH Public Health team attended the processing plant on Monday, April 20 and tested 71 staff who were physically present, resulting in 27 additional positive cases of COVID-19, which brings the total to 28 cases to date. VCH closed the plant the same day.
According to Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), there is no evidence to suggest that food is a likely source or route of transmission for the virus. At this time, there have been no reported cases of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19. Therefore, no recall of chicken products distributed from this plant is required. All Canadians should continue to follow good hygiene practices during food handling and preparation, such as:
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Washing hands with soap and water
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Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
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Cooking meat thoroughly
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Avoiding potential cross-contamination between cooked and uncooked foods
The CFIA delivers ongoing inspections on-site to verify the operator's compliance with the Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations. The CFIA also requires that establishments have COVID-19 prevention documentation which clearly articulate mitigation measures and their response to a suspected and confirmed case of COVID-19 to support public health requirements and guidance.
VCH is responsible for the delivery of $3.6 billion in community, hospital and long-term care to more than one million people in communities including Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky corridor, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola. VCH also provides specialized care and services for people throughout BC, and is the province's hub of health care education and research.
Contact
Matt Kieltyka
Public Affairs Specialist
Vancouver Coastal Health
Cell: 604.833.4541
Email: matt.kieltyka@vch.ca