Grifols has suspended plasma collection at its 17 Canadian clinics after two donors died and Health Canada issued a notice of non-compliance regarding safety practices.

Spanish healthcare company Grifols has voluntarily paused plasma collections at its 17 Canadian clinics following the deaths of two donors in Manitoba. Health Canada issued a formal notice of non-compliance to the company for failing to follow blood regulations, citing deficiencies including inadequate staff training and poor record-keeping. The company, which is the only private plasma donor in Canada, stated it is working with regulators to address the concerns.

Donor Deaths and Regulatory Findings

The two deaths occurred in October 2025 and January 2026, with both donors reportedly experiencing distress during the process. One donor was identified as 22-year-old Rodiyat Alabede, who died of cardiac arrest shortly after donating in Winnipeg. While an autopsy was completed, patient advocates have alleged medical discrepancies between that report and a Health Canada summary released in March 2026. Health Canada stated it found no link between Alabede’s death and the donation process. Inspection reports from May 2026 revealed multiple operational failures at Grifols clinics, including staff ignoring alarms during collection and providing incomplete or inaccurate reporting. Health Canada specifically identified deficiencies at the Taylor Avenue location in Winnipeg.

Plasma Donation Process and Regulations

Plasma donation involves an apheresis machine that separates blood components and returns the remainder to the donor's body, a process lasting approximately 90 minutes. While provinces like British Columbia and Quebec prohibit paid plasma clinics, Manitoba allows the practice. Grifols previously paid donors up to C$100 per session and permitted donations twice a week. The company maintains that the deaths were not connected to its operations and that the current pause will not impact the safety of Canada’s national blood supply.