Workers in plants run by the largest U.S. poultry producers are regularly being denied bathroom breaks and as a result some are reduced to wearing diapers while working on the processing line, Oxfam America said in a report Wednesday.  “It’s not just their dignity that suffers: they are in danger of serious health problems,” said Oxfam America... The conditions present difficulties, especially for menstruating or pregnant women, according to the latest report. Workers could also face medical problems...

Tyson said in an e-mailed statement that it does “not tolerate the refusal of requests to use the restroom.” Perdue said in an e-mailed response that the “anecdotes reported are not consistent” with the company’s policies and practices. Pilgrim’s Pride said in an e-mailed statement that “any allegations of the nature claimed by Oxfam, if proven, would be clear violations of company policy and would result in disciplinary action.” [also cites joint statement by industry groups National Chicken Council and U.S. Poultry & Egg Association]