COVID-19 Coronavirus Statement 

The world is grappling with an issue of enormous scale and human impact, and our hearts go out to all who have been affected by the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).

At Oregon Rice we are committed to the health and well-being of our employees and the safety of our workplace. We are equally committed to serving the needs of our consumers, customers, and communities. While we are based in Oregon, where the governor has issued “stay at home” orders, food and agricultural producers are considered “essential businesses.” As such, our manufacturing operations will continue so that we may provide food to the public. Now more than ever, we are dedicated to maintaining our high food safety standards and have implemented additional policies for our employees’ personal health and safety.

FOOD SAFETY

Oregon Rice ensures that all products coming through our supply chain and processed at our facility are produced according to strict food safety guidelines adhering to state and federal requirements. The Oregon Rice facility is certified by the State of Oregon. These certifications verify our compliance to personal hygiene (including handwashing) and facility sanitation practices that ensure the overall food safety of our products and our commitment to providing safe, quality food for our consumers and customers.

EMPLOYEE SUPPORT

As a family-owned business, our employees are the heart of who we are. In addition to the ongoing high level of support we provide to our employees, we are carefully following guidelines provided by health officials; federal, state, and local governments; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over the past several weeks, we have instituted a number of additional measures to protect the health of our team, including:

  • Restricting access to our facility by visitors
  • Requiring employees who are experiencing symptoms of illness to stay home
  • Providing paid leave consistent with the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act
  • Assuring employees have proper social distancing
  • Encouraging frequent and effective handwashing
  • Increasing sanitation of common areas using a disinfectant that is effective in killing viruses and consistent with maintaining our food production areas’ certified organic status

CONTINUAL MONITORING

Our senior management is meeting regularly to assess the situation and instituting additional measures as the situation evolves. We are closely monitoring all developments related to the coronavirus and are prepared to adjust our operations and procedures as needed to ensure the health and well-being of our customers and employees.