Carbon Monoxide Exposure at Colorado Plant Sends 6 Hospital

Authorities say six employees were hospitalized after high levels of carbon monoxide forced the evacuation of a food production facility in Boulder, Colorado.

Police spokeswoman Kim Kobel tells The Daily Camera that workers at Evol Foods began feeling ill at about 8 a.m. Monday, and medics tested about 70 people for carbon monoxide exposure.

Steve Hughes, CEO of Evol parent company Boulder Brands, says the six employees who were taken to the hospital were evaluated, monitored and sent home early. Investigators suspect the elevated carbon-monoxide levels were the result of the rechargeable batteries on Evol’s forklifts, which give off some gas when they are being charged.

Evol Foods manufactures frozen burritos and a line of other frozen food products.