SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — In a report released today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling on Smithfield Foods to make significant changes at its Sioux Falls pork processing plant.
The plant has been shut down for more than a week because of a COVID-19 outbreak that has so far affected 800 employees.
Smithfield remains one of the top COVID-19 hot spots in the country and at least two deaths have been connected to the plant.
Of the 15 pages in the report, 11 were filled with recommendations from the CDC to Smithfield, including beginning a process of hierarchy of controls, social distancing, better screening, extended sick leave, increased hygiene, new policies, increased hand washing, training and more personal protective equipment.
The C.D.C. toured the plant last week and found several problem areas including a lack of hand sanitization. The report also appeared to show a lack of transparency from Smithfield.
The South Dakota Department of Health is requiring the company to submit a plan of action prior to re-opening.
