A hazardous ammonia leak at the Cuisine Solutions plant in Sterling, Virginia, resulted in 33 people being hospitalized, according to authorities. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening due to a failed valve, as reported by the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System.
Upon discovering the leak, a specialized hazardous response team was deployed to the scene. The team, equipped with protective gear, successfully shut off the faulty valve, containing the leak within an hour. Cuisine Solutions confirmed in a statement that the leak occurred outside the building and was quickly managed.
Of the 33 individuals hospitalized, 22 were initially in serious condition, while the remaining 11 experienced minor symptoms. As of Thursday, all but four of the hospitalized employees had been released from medical care, with the remaining under observation.
The ammonia leak prompted an evacuation of the plant’s 287 employees. Exposure to ammonia can lead to respiratory issues and skin burns, highlighting the potential severity of the situation.
Cuisine Solutions is renowned for its sous vide cooking method, which involves vacuum-sealing food and cooking it in water. The company’s products are widely available in grocery store prepared food sections, delivered meal kits, and on cruise ships.
