Tyson Fresh Meats, the beef and pork subsidiary of Tyson Foods, has resumed limited operations at its pork plant in Columbus Junction, Iowa, on April 21, after being idle for two weeks due to COVID-19 concerns. “Our first priority is protecting our team members while they fulfill their critical mission of feeding families across the country during this challenging time,” said Dean Banks, President, Tyson Foods. “We plan to increase production at Columbus Junction gradually, with the safety of our team members top of mind.”
Tyson Foods said it formed a coronavirus task force in January and has implemented numerous measures to protect workers, and the company is still in the process of installing more than 150 infrared temperature scanners in its facilities. In an effort to promote social distancing, many company facilities have installed workstation dividers and are providing more breakroom space.
The Columbus Junction pork plant produces fresh, boxed pork for shipment to foodservice and retail customers worldwide. Tyson Foods’ other meat and poultry plants are said to continue operations, with some running at reduced levels of production either due to the planned implementation of additional worker safety precautions or worker absenteeism. The company has suspended production for a day at some locations for additional deep cleaning and sanitisation.
