In Sterling, Virginia, a hazardous incident occurred at a Cuisine Solutions plant, resulting in an ammonia leak that affected 33 individuals and led to hospitalization, as reported by the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System on Thursday. The leak was triggered by a malfunctioning valve, prompting a hazardous response team to intervene, wearing protective equipment and successfully shutting off the valve to contain the leak within an hour.
Out of the 33 individuals hospitalized, 22 were initially in serious condition, while the remaining 11 displayed minor symptoms, according to fire officials. Cuisine Solutions later confirmed that all hospitalized employees, except for four who were under observation, had been discharged.
Following the incident, all 287 staff members at the plant were evacuated for safety measures. Ammonia exposure can lead to respiratory problems and skin burns, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Cuisine Solutions is renowned for their sous vide cooking method, where food is vacuum-sealed and cooked in water. Their products are commonly found in grocery store prepared food sections, meal kit deliveries, and onboard cruise ships.
