blog-post

The concerns about the integrity of the meat supply are increasing as more meat plants are forced to close due to COVID-19. Three of the largest pork processors in the US had closed indefinitely. The 3 plants account for approximately 15% of US pork production. The plant closures and production reductions decrease the national pork production by 25% and beef production by 10%. President Trump has, by an Executive Order, placed the American meat industry under the Defense Production Act (DPA) to prevent meat shortages. The order would designate meat processing plants as essential infrastructure, thereby keeping them open despite...

The Coronavirus pandemic had impacted meat processing plants, warehouses, and grocery stores, where increasing numbers of workers are getting sick with the Coronavirus. In meat processing plants, workers typically stand elbow-to-elbow to carry out the cutting, deboning, and packing of chicken and beef. Plants processing beef and chickens have closed to slow the virus spread among employees. Across the country, major meat processors are starting to shut down plants as employees are getting infected by the Coronavirus. Meat and poultry plant closing due to the Coronavirus expose the vulnerability of global food supply chains that are needed to keep grocers’...

Previously we discussed the significant role of the food industry as a recovery model of the economy in the US and worldwide. We also presented a controversial view of starting immediately the recovery process in low infected regions. In this blog, we explain and add the role of “herd immunization”, discuss the Korean success and the imminent rapid immunological testing.  It is suggested that a new federal initiative has to be formed and implemented immediately, in parallel to the present strategy of social distancing and in house isolation. Our immediate action or inaction will determine the destiny of the nation...

The food industry found itself in a unique dire situation when the corona epidemic took place and spread globally. Like any other industry, its workers have been exposed to the virus, consequentially changing the manufacturing dynamics of food production and supply.  Unlike many other industries, the food industry did not have the “luxury” of closing the plants, let its workers go home and pause operations, even temporarily.  Out of necessity operations have been continued, and it seems that food supplies have not been changed dramatically, at least in the US.  While this situation can be negatively altered in the future,...