Poultry Plant Chemicals Linked to Health Concerns

The antimicrobial spray used on poultry may be the responsible for the death and illness of plant workers.


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In 2011, poultry inspector Jose Navarro died from his lungs bleeding out, a fatality that may be attributed to the antimicrobial chemicals he regularly came into contact with at his job. According to The Washington Post, there have been a slew of other health complaints from poultry-industry workers that range from respiratory ailments to eye irritation; despite these issues, there has never been a federal investigation of the possible health detriments of the bacteria-killing chemicals. An inspection conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has revealed that several plants have failed to comply with regulations by not labeling hazardous chemicals properly and not training employees to handle them.