A 33-year-old man was crushed to death at an Ogden, Utah, USA, pet food manufacturing facility operated by American Nutrition, reported Fox13. The accident occurred at approximately 3 a.m. on May 2.
The man, Raul Ortiz, was attempting to restart an automatic bag palletizer, according to a statement from American Nutrition.
Ortiz may have entered the palletizer in an attempt to restart it, reported Fox13. However, the power was still on to the machine, and when it restarted the palletizer elevator crushed Ortiz against the top of the elevator.
American Nutrition’s facility is closed while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducts an investigation.
“The entire American Nutrition family is deeply saddened at the loss of our dear associate and we extend our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,” said Bill Behnken, President and CEO of American Nutrition. “American Nutrition is offering support to the family in the immediate aftermath of this tragic event.”
About American Nutrition
American Nutrition, Inc. (founded in 1972) produces extruded, baked and canned pet foods and treats for domestic and international distribution from its SQF Level III certified facilities in Washington, Utah and Pennsylvania, according to the Petfood Industry Top Companies database. In addition to its own established brands, ANI also provides custom contract manufacturing services. These include formulation development; AAFCO label compliance; ingredient sourcing, real meat inclusion of extruded and baked products; canned products; quality and palatability testing; package design; and supply chain and logistics. The second-generation, family owned and operated business is headquartered in Ogden, Utah, USA.
In November 2012, American Nutrition earned the Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification for all four of its own manufacturing plants. SQF is a food safety certification program administered by the Global Food Safety Initiative.
