Canadian Plasma Clinic Chain Pauses Collections During Federal Safety Review

Grifols has temporarily stopped collecting plasma at its 17 clinics across Canada while federal health authorities investigate regulatory deficiencies and scrutiny continues over the deaths of two donors.

The Spanish healthcare company said it notified Health Canada of the voluntary pause on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The regulator issued a formal notice of non-compliance the same day, according to reporting cited by The Guardian. Health Canada had previously disclosed that two Manitoba donors went into distress during donations in October 2025 and January 2026.

One donor was identified by friends as Rodiyat Alabede, a 22-year-old international student who died of cardiac arrest shortly after donating in Winnipeg on October 25, 2025. Health Canada has said it found no link between her death and the plasma donation, while advocates representing her family have called for a new inquest and raised questions about screening and medical records.

Health Canada inspection findings reported in May cited deficiencies including staff training, operating procedures, record-keeping and responses to equipment alarms. The regulator said Friday that it had identified multiple deficiencies at the company’s Taylor Avenue location in Winnipeg.

Grifols said the pause was proactive and would allow it to work with Health Canada and Canadian Blood Services. The company denies that the two deaths were connected to plasma donation and said the temporary shutdown would not affect the safety or security of Canada’s blood and plasma supply.