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. 2024 Sep 2:12:1432332.
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1432332. eCollection 2024.

Mitigating COVID-19 in meat processing plants: what have we learned from cluster investigations?

Pauline Kooh #  1 , Yvonnick Guillois #  2 , Michel Federighi  3   4 , Mathilde Pivette  2 , Anne-Laure Maillard  2 , Ngoc-Du Martin Luong  1 , Estelle Chaix  1
Affiliations

Mitigating COVID-19 in meat processing plants: what have we learned from cluster investigations?

Pauline Kooh et al. Front Public Health. .

Abstract

Introduction: Several COVID-19 outbreaks have been reported in meat processing plants in different countries. The aim of this study was to assess the environmental and socio-economic risk factors favouring the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in meat processing plants and to describe the prevention measures implemented.

Methods: Data from epidemiological investigations of COVID-19 clusters in France, the scientific literature, structured interviews and site visits were collected and summarised to investigate the main risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in meat processing plants, including determinants within and outside the workplace.

Results: An increased risk of infection was identified among workers with unfavourable socio-economic status (temporary/non-permanent workers, migrants, ethnic minorities, etc.), possibly related to community activities (house-sharing, car-sharing, social activities). Working conditions (proximity between workers) and environmental factors (low temperatures and inadequate ventilation) also appear to be important risk factors. These environmental conditions are particularly prevalent in cutting and boning plants, where the majority of reported cases are concentrated. Preventive measures applied included screening for COVID-19 symptoms, testing, wearing masks, increased hygiene and sanitation, physical and temporal distancing, control of ventilation. Certain food safety hygiene measures were compatible with protecting workers from SARS-CoV-2. The hygiene culture of agri-food workers made it easier to implement preventive measures after adaptation.

Conclusion: This study made it possible to identify the environmental and socio-economic factors conducive to the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in meat processing plants. The knowledge gained from this work was used in simulations to understand the transmission of the virus in the plants.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; meat processing plant; mitigation measures; occupational health; risk factors.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Overview of data sources used in the study.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Extracting information from different data sources.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Temporal distribution of the selected clusters (N = 31) and COVID-19 epidemiological context (A – 7-day Incidence, B – Test positivity). Mainland France, from 1 May 2020 to 30 June 2021.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Regional distribution of the selected clusters (N = 31) and incidence. Mainland France, from 1 May 2020 to 30 June 2021.
Figure 5
Figure 5
General organisation of a cutting plant (pictograms: flaticon.com).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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