Smithfield partially resumes operations at South Dakota pork plant

US-based meat processing company Smithfield Foods has reportedly resumed operations partially at its South Dakota slaughterhouse, which was closed last month due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

The closure of slaughterhouses in the US has led to a shortfall of meat products and has also compelled some farmers to euthanise livestock due to lack of sufficient markets.

Citing a union representing employees at the facility, Reuters reported that Smithfield Foods opened its ground seasoned pork and night clean-up departments at its Sioux Falls facility.

Out of the 3,700 workers employed at the facility, only 250 members reported at the facility yesterday to commence limited operations.

According to a spokesperson, the company is planning to gradually increase operations at the facility. However, Smithfield did not resume slaughtering hogs, according to the union.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem in a webcast said that the state is planning to organise mass testing for all Smithfield employees and their dependants.

Noem was quoted by the news agency as saying: “One of the most effective things that we can do is test Smithfield employees to make sure they are Covid negative before they’re going back into work. We do encourage every single one of them to participate.”

Last month, Smithfield Foods announced the suspension of all operations at its pork facility in Monmouth, Illinois.

The decision follows after certain employees at the facility were tested positive for Covid-19.

The facility has a workforce of 1,700 employees and is engaged in the production of bacon, as well as represents nearly 3% of the fresh pork supplies in the US.