Create a free Manufacturing.net account to continue

Beef Plant At Heart Of E. Coli Outbreak Resumes Production

Production has resumed at the Alberta plant that has been at the heart of a massive beef recall over an E. coli outbreak. About 2,000 workers were back on the job on Monday. Mayor Martin Shields said he attended a few events in the town over the weekend and could tell people were more relaxed and positive than they have been in recent weeks.

EDMONTON (CP) -- Production has resumed at the Alberta plant that has been at the heart of a massive beef recall over an E. coli outbreak.

About 2,000 workers were back on the job on Monday.

Mayor Martin Shields said he attended a few events in the town over the weekend and could tell people were more relaxed and positive than they have been in recent weeks.

But Shields said while workers are back, it will be a couple weeks before they get paid again.

He said civic officials will be monitoring that and "looking at what the risks may be for people who may be struggling."

The CFIA restored the plant's operating licence last week and also launched a review of the E. coli crisis that made at least 16 people sick.

Management of the plant has been taken over by JBS USA, an American subsidiary of a Brazilian company.

JBS USA has not yet decided if it will exercise its option to buy the plant.

More in Operations