Chemical spill at Minn. poultry plant sends dozens to hospital

A chemical spill at Pilgrim’s Pride poultry processing facility in Cold Spring, Minnesota, resulted in the evacuation of the building and sent 26 employees to the hospital on the morning of Friday, June 6.

According to the Cold Spring/Richmond Police Department, the incident occurred around 8:15 a.m. when a container of peracetic acid spilled inside the plant, located in the 800 block of Sauk River Road. Cold Spring Fire and Rescue responded alongside local police, and the Minnesota State Duty Officer was notified. The chemical spill was contained within the facility.

Peracetic acid, also known as peroxyacetic acid, is commonly used in food processing as an antimicrobial agent, surface sanitizer, and cleaner. The U.S. Department of Agriculture classifies it as effective for sanitation but notes it must be handled carefully due to its corrosive properties and potential for respiratory irritation.

When first responders arrived, the facility had already been evacuated. On-scene medical assessments were conducted, and 26 employees were transported to St. Cloud Hospital by Mayo Clinic and CentraCare ambulances for further evaluation and treatment of minor injuries. By the afternoon, 25 of the affected individuals had been released from the hospital, and all were expected to be discharged the same day.

In a statement made to MEAT+Poultry, a Pilgrim’s Pride spokesperson expressed gratitude for the rapid response of emergency personnel and confirmed that the facility was closed for cleanup and expected to reopen on Saturday, June 7.

“We appreciate the quick response and assistance of first responders. The plant is currently closed while the area is cleaned up,” the spokesperson said. “We expect normal operations to resume tomorrow.”

The incident follows similar chemical-related evacuations at other Pilgrim’s Pride and JBS USA facilities in recent years, raising industry-wide attention to workplace safety and chemical handling protocols in meat processing plants.