Ammonia Leak at Food Plant Sends 33 to Hospital

An ammonia leak at a commercial food preparation facility in Virginia on Wednesday evening sent 33 people to the hospital, authorities said.

The leak at the Cuisine Solutions plant in Sterling, VA, was caused by a failed valve, the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System said in a written statement. A hazardous response team donned protective gear and shut off the valve, authorities said. The company said in a written statement Thursday that the leak happened outside the building and was contained within an hour.

At approximately 8:36 p.m., on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the Loudoun County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a gas leak inside the plant. Fire and Rescue units from Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority arrived on scene and confirmed the leak was ammonia and observed numerous patients who had been exposed.

Due to the number of potential patients and type of medical conditions presenting, the incident commander requested a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) alarm which includes an additional 10 emergency medical services (EMS) transport units, 10 suppressions units, a mobile ambulance bus, command staff support, and other resources, Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System stated.

Of the 33 who were hospitalized, 22 were initially in serious condition, and 11 more had minor symptoms, fire officials said. Cuisine Solutions said Thursday that all of the hospitalized employees had been released with the exception of four, who were still under observation.

The 287 employees at the plant were evacuated, rescue officials said.

Cuisine Solutions is a provider of sous vide style of cooking, a method in which food is sealed and cooked in water at precise times and temperatures. Sous vide cooking can be used for food preparation of a wide range of ingredients, including poultry, beef, pork, fish and shellfish, vegetables and fruits, gourmet sauces, and desserts.