Ammonia Leak Temporarily Shuts Down Distribution Plant

A Lebanon, Tenn., food distribution plant was temporarily shut down and evacuated because of an ammonia leak.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A Lebanon distribution plant was temporarily shut down and evacuated because of an ammonia leak.

WKRN-TV reports about 30 workers left Performance Food Group around 2:30 a.m. Thursday. They returned about four hours later.

Officials said the shutdown was due to an ammonia leak in a refrigeration system.

According to Battalion Chief Lee Bowling, ammonia is a corrosive gas that can burn airways and lungs if inhaled.

The company distributes seafood, meats, produce, and dairy to family and casual dining chains in 50 states and 41 countries. Its clients include Cracker Barrel, Outback Steakhouse and Ruby Tuesdays.

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