No connection between plasma donations and deaths, but stricter rules to be implemented in Grifols: Health Canada
Posted April 3, 2026 3:52 pm.
Last Updated April 4, 2026 10:20 am.
Health Canada has slapped tighter terms and conditions on plasma donation company Grifols, after three locations, including the head office, were recently given noncompliance reviews. The stricter conditions will apply to 16 Grifols locations across the country, including here on Taylor Avenue in Winnipeg.
Grifols became the subject of headlines after two people died in a span of six months after donating plasma at the company’s locations in Winnipeg – one at the Taylor Avenue location on October 25, 2025, the other at the Innovation Drive office on January 30th.
However, Health Canada says no link has been found between the donors’ deaths and plasma collection.
In a statement to CityNews, Health Canada says that after the deaths, they initiated visits to the two locations, where they found areas of noncompliance, and requested corrective actions from Grifols.
Health Canada says the Oakville, Ontario, head office was also reviewed in January and received a noncompliance grade, which led to the new terms and conditions. These include immediately reducing the number of appointments, reassessing how much staff is needed, and reviewing all donor suitability records.
“It helps save people’s lives, it helps burn victims, it helps those who have faced physical trauma,” said Chloe Buhler, plasma donor.
Buhler says she donates plasma primarily to help those in need, though the financial compensation is a bonus. She says she isn’t worried about the recent deaths and the new, tighter conditions in certain locations.
“I know what I’m getting into when I donate, like I’ve read contracts and stuff that said there’s a small but present chance that there will be complications, and I know that there will be complications, and I’m aware of those risks,” said Buhler.
In addition to the failing grade on the head office and the two Winnipeg locations, two other branches in Calgary and Regina also recently received noncompliance reviews.
A statement from Grifols says, “Health Canada recently conducted an inspection of our Canadian head office, focused on corporate oversight activities. Following this inspection, deficiencies were identified, and we are addressing them swiftly.”
Adding, “We are implementing these requirements and continue to work collaboratively with Health Canada to ensure ongoing compliance. All of our donor centers remain open and continue to operate under the supervision of Health Canada, in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, with donor safety remaining our top priority.”
