Woman dies after falling into large meat processor at work
**Content warning: Descriptions some readers may find distressing.**
An investigation has been launched after a woman fell into a meat processor at work and died.
On Friday, 28 July, an employee at United Premium Foods (UPF) processing plant in Woodbridge, New Jersey, passed away after falling into one of the machines while it was in operation.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - a large regulatory agency of the United States Department of Labor - and police have since launched an investigation into the incident.
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Police were called to the processing plant on 1 Amboy Avenue at around 12.30pm, a township spokesperson told USA Today.
UPF makes a wide range of food and fresh premium pet food that uses a 'wide range of manufacturing equipment'.
As per its website, this includes equipment such as a 'grinder, high-capacity blender and bowl chopper' alongside a blast chiller, protein injector, Alkar ovens and a 3000 pallet position freezer.
"We are USDA and FDA certified for processing, storage, and distribution as well as GFSI via SQF 2000 Level Two certified," it states.
The company's website also adds its workforce is 'stable, highly skilled and experienced' and its management team has 'more than 100 years of combined food production experience'.
An investigation into the UPF employee's death by Woodbridge Police Department and the OSHA remains ongoing and no other injuries were reported.
The employee's name has not yet been made public.
CEO of United Premium Foods, Ken Mayer, told CBS New York: "We are devastated by the loss of our longtime employee, who was a beloved member of our company. Our deepest condolences go out to her daughter at this difficult time.
"We are fully cooperating with the official investigation."
UNILAD has contacted United Premium Foods, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Woodbridge Police Department for comment.
It's not the first time an employee of a meat processing factory has died as a result of a machine.
In 2019, an 18-year-old worker passed away after being pulled into a meat mixing machine in a factory in the Philippines.
It's reported it was the employee's second week working in the factory.
At the time of the incident, local police stated there were no signs of foul play and they believed the 18-year-old's death was the result of an accident.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Poppy Bilderbeck