The state of California issued more than $58,000 in fines against Smithfield Foods after investigating the meat producer for coronavirus hazards. Investigators with the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health found that Smithfield, through its Farmer John subsidiary, failed to space workers apart on the processing lines at its Vernon, California, plant. The state also issued coronavirus-related fines totaling roughly $46,000 against Citistaff Solutions, a temp staffing firm used by Smithfield at the same plant. In a statement, Keira Lombardo, a Smithfield spokesperson, called the fines “perplexing” and said the company plans to appeal. We implemented aggressive measures to ensure our employees were safe, healthy and protected so that they could continue the vital mission of producing food for millions of people.”Officials opened the investigation in late May after complaints from the workers’ union, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 770.

Source: Huffington Post November 16, 2020 16:58 UTC