MBRF has reached an agreement with the Labor Public Prosecutor's Office to transfer pregnant workers away from high-noise areas in a facility after a significant number of adverse pregnancy outcomes were reported.
The multinational food company MBRF has entered an agreement with Brazil's Labor Public Prosecutor's Office (MPT) to relocate pregnant workers from high-noise areas in its Lucas do Rio Verde facility in Mato Grosso. This decision follows an MPT investigation that revealed concerning statistics regarding the health of pregnant employees exposed to elevated noise levels, which can lead to adverse effects on cardiovascular and metabolic systems during pregnancy.
According to Priscila Dibi Schvarcz, the Labor Prosecutor responsible for the case, there have been alarming reports of 77 confirmed abortions and 113 premature births between 2019 and 2025 associated with the working conditions of these women. The company MBRF is significant in the food industry, formed from the merger of Marfrig and BRF and known for its brands like Sadia and Perdigão. It has substantial revenues and a presence in over 100 countries, making this issue particularly impactful from both a social and corporate responsibility perspective.
The agreement, which has received judicial approval, is pivotal not only for the affected workers but also reflects broader issues concerning workplace safety and health regulations. As the main legal process continues, MBRF's response could set a precedent for similar companies within the industry, highlighting the necessity for companies to ensure safe working conditions for all employees, especially vulnerable groups such as pregnant workers.
