Source:  Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 1/10/11

Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. said the company is taking steps to curb odor issues at its Timberville, Pa., poultry plant.

Neighboring residents have complained about odor emanating from the Pilgrim’s plant for months, according to local media reports.

Gary Rhodes, Pilgrim’s vice president of corporate communications and investor relations, told Meatingplace in an e-mail that the company recently met with representatives of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to discuss the company’s efforts to resolve the matter.

Pilgrim’s shared results of recent air tests conducted by an independent firm and outlined its work with another consultant on potential improvements to the plant’s oxidation process, he said.

“We are committed to working together with DEQ to resolve the community’s concerns as quickly as possible,” Rhodes said.

DEQ official Karen Hensely told WHSV-TV that Pilgrim’s has been “really responsive in attempting to reduce the odors and they've already made substantial capital improvements at their facility.” She said the company is working to find the cause of the odor and correct it.

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