For the second time this week, an outbreak has been declared at a food-processing plant in the Lower Mainland.

Fraser Health announced today (December 17) that it has declared an outbreak at the Rossdown Natural Foods poultry-processing plant at 2325 Bradner Road in Abbotsford.

Thus far, nine staff members have tested positive.

However, Fraser Health stated that it has determined that it isn’t necessary for this facility to close down at this point but public health is continuing to monitor for further cases as case management and contact tracing remain ongoing.

Yesterday (December 16), Fraser Health stated that it closed down Wingtat Game Bird Packers in Surrey. As of December 16, 30 staff members had tested positive. The company had announced on December 11 that it had temporarily closed after several employees tested positive.

Mass testing of all staff members is underway. 

Both B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency have previously stated that there isn’t any evidence suggesting that food is a transmission source or route for the virus.

Accordingly, chicken products aren’t being recalled from either facility.