Grifols, a private plasma collection company, paused plasma collection in Canada in the months after two people who donated plasma at its Winnipeg clinics died.
Regulators flagged issues at Winnipeg site
Health Canada issued a non-compliance notice Wednesday for Grifols’ Taylor Avenue plasma center in Winnipeg. Inspectors found several problems during their review of the two deaths, which occurred in October and January.
In an emailed statement Thursday, Health Canada spokesperson Emilie Gauduchon-Campbell said the temporary closure was a positive step. Regulators will work with the company to resolve the issues before any reopening.
Health Canada stated the move would not impact the safety or availability of Canada’s blood supply, which comes from both public and private donations.
Company cites “unfounded attention” for pause
Grifols did not respond to media requests but told a national outlet it suspended operations due to “unfounded attention” on its practices. In March, the company said it found no connection between the deaths and plasma donation, insisting protocols were followed in both cases.
Grifols had been conducting its own review alongside the federal investigation. The company runs plasma collection centers in several provinces, where donors receive payment for plasma used in medical treatments.
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Critics have argued that for-profit plasma collection takes advantage of donors in financial difficulty. Noah Schulz, provincial director of the Manitoba Health Coalition, called the pause a significant step for patient safety. He expressed hope the company would close permanently.
“We need to ensure the blood supply remains safe and that people aren’t exploited when they’re in vulnerable health or economic situations,” Schulz said.
The discussion over paid plasma donation has continued for years in Canada, where most blood products come from unpaid donors. Supporters of private collection say it helps meet demand for plasma-derived therapies, while opponents warn of risks to donors. Health care policies often reflect these tensions.
Grifols, a Spanish multinational, ranks among the world’s largest plasma collectors. Its Canadian operations grew in recent years, even as some provinces banned paid donations.
Next steps remain uncertain
Health Canada has not revealed the specific compliance issues at the Winnipeg site. The agency will continue monitoring the situation but did not say when or if Grifols might reopen.
Canadian donors who used Grifols’ clinics must now find alternatives. Health Canada has not reported shortages of plasma-derived products. Updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
