Foster Farms re-opens Livingston poultry plant in California

US-base poultry company Foster Farms has announced the re-opening of its Livingston poultry plant in California after receiving approval from the Merced Department of Public Health (MCDPH).

According to the company, the facility closed from 1-7 September as part of its comprehensive programme to ensure employee safety.

Through Labour Day on 7 September, the poultry company conducted more than 4,800 Covid-19 tests in the Livingston Complex workforce; results of the test indicated less than 1% positive cases at the facility.

In a statement, Foster Farms said: “We extend our appreciation to the US Department of Agriculture, the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and the US Department of Health and Human Services, for their material assistance to help make the testing possible.

“Over the coming weeks, Foster Farms will be conducting regular testing throughout the Livingston complex, aimed at monitoring and resolving Covid-19 prevalence to reduce the risk to our employees. We extend our thanks to the MCDPH for their advice and counsel.”

The company noted that it advised some of its employees tested positive to self-isolate and agreed to offer all appropriate medical leave benefits.

The Livingston poultry plant is the largest facility within the Livingston Poultry Complex and will be now fully operational.

Dr David Acheson, who advises Foster Farms on Covid-19, said: “The intensive testing and implementation of additional worker safety recommendations undertaken by Foster Farms, in addition to the mitigations following CDC guidance that are already in place, are a robust effort to protect Livingston employees from Covid-19.

“Routine follow-up testing will help ensure that Foster Farms is vigilant in maintaining the low prevalence baseline and protect employees. Holding the line against Covid-19, and ultimately defeating it requires constant vigilance and the cooperation of all.”

In January 2015, the avian influenza virus was detected in a turkey ranch of Foster Farms in Stanislaus County, California, US, revealed through an early detection programme for avian influenza initiated by the company as part of its testing and biosecurity efforts.