Grifols plasma clinics pause collection across Canada amid safety scrutiny
The for-profit company halted operations Friday after Health Canada issued non-compliance ratings and investigations into donor deaths in Winnipeg.
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Grifols, a for-profit plasma donation company, temporarily shut down collection at all its Canadian clinics beginning August 15, citing what it called "unfounded attention" to its practices. The company said it is working with Health Canada and Canadian Blood Services on a framework to support resumed operations.
The pause came one day after Health Canada issued a formal non-compliance rating to Grifols' Winnipeg location on Taylor Avenue on August 13. An inspection report found the clinic did not carry out sufficient corrective and preventive actions, did not always follow operating procedures, and kept insufficient records of staff qualifications and training.
The temporary closure follows intense scrutiny after two donors died at Grifols clinics in Winnipeg. Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old international student, died on October 25 after donating plasma at the Taylor Avenue site. A Health Canada medical summary stated her death was "temporally coincident" with the donation but determined the donation process was not the cause. However, a December inspection report found deficiencies including staff failing to terminate her donation after a machine displayed an alert requiring early termination.
Healthy Canada's inspection data show 25 serious adverse reactions have been reported at Grifols centres since 2018. Publicly listed inspections show the company has received non-compliant ratings in New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Advocacy groups including the Manitoba Health Coalition have called for a ban on paid plasma, arguing that for-profit operations are incentivized to cut costs. "It's not just media attention with no evidence, no basis," said Noah Schulz, provincial director of the coalition. "The Health Canada inspection reports are there. We know that there are serious problems at Grifols."
Grifols said donor safety and plasma quality have never been compromised. The company must now work with federal regulators to resume operations.
✓ Will Health Canada suspend or revoke Grifols' operating licenses, or allow resumption under new conditions? — answered 2026-08-14, see update above
How many plasma donors used Grifols clinics in Canada, and what are the implications for blood supply if the closure extends beyond the temporary pause?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
When did Grifols pause plasma collection across Canada?
Grifols temporarily shut down collection at all its Canadian clinics beginning August 15, 2026.
How many serious adverse reactions were reported at Grifols centres since 2018?
Health Canada's inspection data show 25 serious adverse reactions have been reported at Grifols centres since 2018.
In which provinces did Grifols receive non-compliant ratings?
Grifols received non-compliant ratings in New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
