Perdue Farms has announced plans to invest $3.7 million to expand production at one hatchery on Delmarva and another one in eastern North Carolina as part of the company’s ongoing effort to improve operating efficiencies.

The investment will increase hatch production by 40 percent at one of its Salisbury, Md., hatcheries and nearly double hatch production in Kenly, N.C. As a result, Perdue will close its hatcheries in Showell and Bishopville, Md., in early May of 2010.

Perdue will invest in new equipment and ventilations systems to accommodate the increased production in Kenly, while existing equipment from Showell and Bishopville will be installed at the Salisbury hatchery to handle the increased hatch production there.

The expansion will create five new positions in Salisbury and Kenly while eliminating 36 positions in Showell and Bishop. Affected associates were informed August 28 about the plan to close the hatcheries in May. As is Perdue’s practice, the company is committed to working with affected associates to offer them jobs at other Perdue facilities.

“The Showell and Bishopville facilities are outdated and require significant investment in facility maintenance and equipment to continue operating,” said Mike Roberts, president of the Food Products Group. “While these changes will not go into effect until early next year, we are letting our associates know now so they can take advantage of openings at other Perdue facilities should they be interested. Perdue is committed to assisting our Showell and Bishopville associates through this transition.”

This investment will improve overall hatchery operations efficiency by more fully utilizing existing facilities. “Maximizing production in our hatchery operations is in line with our ongoing strategy to improve asset utilization and competitiveness,” said Roberts.

Source: Perdue Farms Inc.

Supervalu recalls fettuccini alfredo with chicken

Supervalu Inc. is voluntarily recalling frozen Culinary Circle Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken products because they may have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The products are found in the frozen foods section in a 38 oz. package and were sold at Supervalu-owned stores including Acme, Albertsons, bigg’s, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Hornbacher’s, Jewel-Osco, Lucky, Shaw’s/Star Market, Shop ‘n Save, and Shoppers Food & Pharmacy in all of the states where they operate.

The possibility for contamination was identified through routine sampling of the product. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the identified product. However, because the safety of customers is a top priority and out of an abundance of caution, Supervalu has voluntarily recalled the product.

Source: Supervalu Inc.

Ammonia leak injures more than two dozen

An ammonia leak at the Columbus Salame plant on Friday left more than two dozen people sickened and sent eight people to the hospital for observation. Sixteen others were treated at the scene.

Officials were still investigating the source of the leak, which was capped. The same plant was the site of a four-alarm fire in July, according to AP reports.

Source: Associated Press

Residents want JBS plant out of Louisville

A group of residents are asking that a JBS pork processing plant either have its zoning permit or leave Butchertown, a historic meat-processing district that now has just one last plant.

The company has been in the process of a $2 million expansion within the 11.5 acre facility. It violated its current zoning permit late last year by starting work without permission, and it faces an upcoming hearing when the zoning board decides if the plant’s operating permit should be revoked, according to the Louisville Courier-Journal.

“In this day and age … it's not an appropriate use here,” said Jon Salomon, an attorney who lives in Butchertown and represents the Butchertown Neighborhood Association. Neighbors have complained about the odors from the facility and that the plant is an outdated facility.

The plant employs 1,300 people. The company has looked at other locations in the past, but Chandler Keys, a JBS spokesman, noted that a new facility would cost about $400 million. “We’re going to continue to operate that plant,” he said.

Source: Louisville Courier-Journal

Boar's Head introduces new chicken breast

Boar's Head introduces EverRoast Oven Roasted Chicken Breast, making it possible for modern-day, busy cooks to turn everyday meals into ones that taste like they've spent hours preparing.

Boar's Head EverRoast Oven Roasted Chicken Breast, the modern-day equivalent of homemade roasted chicken for busy cooks, is available nationwide beginning this month in select supermarkets, gourmet stores and delicatessens, including North Carolina, the company notes.

To make EverRoast Oven Roasted Chicken, Boar's Head, America's leading manufacturer of deli meats and cheeses, starts with boneless, skinless chicken breasts and takes the time overextended, busy cooks don't have and follows a slow-roasted chicken recipe to achieve melt-in-the-mouth tenderness with a homemade accent.

"We choose only the leanest and best hand-trimmed chicken breasts available," notes Boar's Head president Michael Martella, "and we try to accommodate today's busy cooks."

Carrots, celery, onions, and parsley, the kinds of veggies that are used in a homemade chicken recipe, form the seasoning blend of EverRoast Oven Roasted Chicken, providing a distinctively homemade chicken flavor and an enticing caramelized color.

Source: Boar’s Head Provisions Co.