Eleven workers were hospitalized on December 7th after exposure to carbon monoxide at the Otto and Sons plant in West Jordan, UT. The Company is a subsidiary of OSI Industries, a major processor of meat products for institutional kitchens and major QSRs.
Carbon monoxide is used in packaging to deceptively enhance the red color of ground meat, possibly inhibit potential pathogens and questionably prolong shelf life, especially in case-ready products. Carbon monoxide is approved for use in the U.S. but is banned in Canada, Japan and the European Union.
Evidently a leak occurred in the plant, releasing carbon monoxide into the atmosphere of the work area. A number of employees complained of dizziness and one lost consciousness, resulting in a call to first responders. Fire crews determined that carbon monoxide readings in some parts of the plant attained 800 ppm. Generally, 35 ppm is considered to be the upper limit of short-term exposure 
and requiring a breathing apparatus. Seventy ppm is extremely toxic, and prolonged exposure will reduce the oxygen carrying capacity of hemoglobin with potentially serious results.
It is evident that if carbon monoxide is used in a plant, appropriate monitors with alarm systems should be installed and tested at frequent intervals to allow for rapid evacuation of work areas should a leak occur. It is assumed that OSHA will investigate the