Coronavirus is causing panic buying, but what does that mean for Australia's food security?
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus is causing panic buying, but what does that mean for Australia's food security?

ABC  

Empty supermarket shelves have become a common sight in the past few weeks, since coronavirus sparked widespread panic buying. Key points: Coronavirus has led to temporary shortages of some products in supermarkets But retail and agricultural experts say Australia has plenty of food to go around Rationing was introduced during World War II, but is extremely unlikely to be repeated After initial limits on toilet paper and hand sanitiser purchases, major retail chains have started to impose restrictions on purchases of some foodstuffs including pasta and rice. "We're certainly not running out of food," National Farmers' Federation chief executive Tony Mahar said. "I don't think we're ever going to encounter a genuine food crisis where we run out of food and groceries," Queensland University of Technology retail expert Gary Mortimer said. "In the horticulture, pork and some other sectors, there is a large level of foreign labour that's used, whether they're backpackers or Pacific Islanders, seasonal workers," Mr Mahar said.

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History of this topic

Struggling Aussies forced to choose between buying medication or groceries as cost of living crisis continues to bite
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Struggling Aussies forced to choose between buying medication or groceries as cost of living crisis continues to bite

Daily Mail  

Families battling the cost-of-living crisis are going hungry waiting for an inquiry into Victoria's food security to report its findings, advocates say. About a third of almost 180 submissions to a Victorian inquiry into food security came from struggling families, Sustain: The Australian Food Network executive director Nick Rose said. About one in three Australians faces moderate to severe food …

Food insecurity is estimated to have reached almost 4 million Australian homes this year
1 year, 2 months ago

Food insecurity is estimated to have reached almost 4 million Australian homes this year

ABC  

Avocados aren't typically associated with epiphanies — but it was while shopping for fresh fruit and veg that Vanessa Newell was struck by an unwanted realisation. Key points: As many as 3.7 million Australian households are estimated to have confronted concerning levels of food insecurity Among those impacted is Seaford resident Vanessa Newell, who suddenly found herself making difficult choices …

COVID-19 reshaped the way we buy, prepare and consume food
2 years, 2 months ago

COVID-19 reshaped the way we buy, prepare and consume food

The Hindu  

In early 2020, as province after province in Canada declared public health emergencies, and pandemic restrictions came into force, routine grocery runs changed dramatically. As shown in our upcoming research, more than three-quarters of our survey respondents expressed an increased desire to support local food retailers compared to 2019. Major societal changes like restaurant closures, home schooling and teleworking came …

Cost of living pressures lead to food insecurity and fears of chronic health conditions
2 years, 5 months ago

Cost of living pressures lead to food insecurity and fears of chronic health conditions

ABC  

More Australians are now experiencing mild to moderate food insecurity due to the cost and unavailability of fruit and vegetables leading to ill health and pressures on charities, experts warn. Key points: Australia is experiencing mild to moderate food insecurity due to the rising costs of fruit and vegetables, an expert says One family says their grocery bill has more …

Food processors warn gas crisis may shut them down and see food prices rise further
2 years, 6 months ago

Food processors warn gas crisis may shut them down and see food prices rise further

ABC  

Food processors say Australia's gas crisis is threatening the country's food security. Key points: Spiking gas prices have put pressure on energy-intensive businesses such as food processors The gas crisis might make it harder for food producers and processors to supply Australia Food manufacturers want an immediate gas reserve for domestic use They say the high price of gas is …

As a result of COVID-19, more people are experiencing food insecurity — and community services are stepping in to help
2 years, 8 months ago

As a result of COVID-19, more people are experiencing food insecurity — and community services are stepping in to help

ABC  

Annette Formosa never thought she would need to rely on her local community in Sydney's western suburbs to ensure there was enough food on the table. Key points: One in six Australian adults experienced food insecurity in 2021, according to Foodbank Of those, almost 40 per cent had not experienced food insecurity prior to the COVID-19 pandemic Community services in …

Panic buying psychology and how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed consumer behaviour
3 years, 9 months ago

Panic buying psychology and how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed consumer behaviour

ABC  

Panic buying and an interest in sanitiser and sourdough bread recipes are among the strange consumer trends to emerge during the coronavirus pandemic. Key points: Sourdough and sanitiser recipes were a major supermarket's most searched items during the pandemic A study of consumers found 46 per cent care more about Australian-made since COVID-19 A major supermarket has seen a 33 …

Red meat purchases increase by 30pc during COVID-19 lockdowns
4 years, 2 months ago

Red meat purchases increase by 30pc during COVID-19 lockdowns

ABC  

When the coronavirus pandemic started to unfold, panic buying hit and interruptions to markets loomed, it was mince, steak and sausages where comfort was found, according to the domestic meat industry. Key points: Australia's domestic beef sales fare well during coronavirus lockdowns WA's biggest meat processor sees an increase of up to 50 per cent in sales Australia remains one …

Countries start hoarding food as prices rise and covid worsens
4 years, 2 months ago

Countries start hoarding food as prices rise and covid worsens

Live Mint  

Agricultural commodity buyers from Cairo to Islamabad have been on a shopping spree since the Covid-19 pandemic upended supply chains. “The result is that consumers are holding more inventory as a precaution against future supply disruptions.” A number of factors are adding to a rally in prices for corn, wheat and soybeans, including floods in China and the country’s increased …

WHO says food safe from coronavirus
4 years, 4 months ago

WHO says food safe from coronavirus

Live Mint  

The World Health Organization on Thursday urged people not to fear catching the novel coronavirus from food, after Chinese testers found traces on food and food packaging. The virus was found Tuesday in the Chinese city of Shenzhen during a routine check on samples of frozen chicken wings imported from Brazil, city authorities said. "People are already scared enough and …

Coronavirus in Victoria shutdown of meat processors not a threat to meat supplies, industry says
4 years, 5 months ago

Coronavirus in Victoria shutdown of meat processors not a threat to meat supplies, industry says

ABC  

The shutdown of meat processors in Victoria because of COVID-19 cases among abattoir workers will not affect meat supplies for consumers, industry figures say. Key points: More than 300 cases of COVID-19 in Victoria are currently linked directly to outbreaks in meat processing plants Although there have been supply chain disruptions internationally due to abattoirs shutting, experts say Australia wouldn't …

How The Coronavirus Has Affected What We Buy At The Grocery Store
4 years, 5 months ago

How The Coronavirus Has Affected What We Buy At The Grocery Store

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING As the major effects of the coronavirus pandemic make themselves apparent ― the ubiquity of masks and hand sanitizer, restaurants serving at half capacity ― other, more subtle changes are still just coming into focus. “Anything that can be associated with immunity is gaining strength and momentum, even if it’s more expensive.” - Frances Zelazny, chief marketing …

Australian food products now require proof of virus-free status before entering China
4 years, 6 months ago

Australian food products now require proof of virus-free status before entering China

ABC  

Australian producers sending food and edible agricultural products to China will now be required to sign a declaration to prove the items are free from COVID-19, following an outbreak at a Beijing market. Key points: Australian producers are now required to sign a declaration to prove items are free from COVID-19, following an outbreak at a Beijing market Agriculture Minister …

Coronavirus shutdowns have exposed Australia's manufacturing gaps, Industry Minister Karen Andrews says
4 years, 7 months ago

Coronavirus shutdowns have exposed Australia's manufacturing gaps, Industry Minister Karen Andrews says

ABC  

The coronavirus pandemic has exposed gaps in Australia's manufacturing capability, but "complete self-sufficiency" should not be Australia's goal, according to the Federal Industry Minister. Key points: Global supply chains have been disrupted by coronavirus shutdowns in other countries Global supply chains have been disrupted by coronavirus shutdowns in other countries Local manufacturers have ramped up production of key health and …

David Littleproud claims Australia has the most secure food security in the world. Is he correct?
4 years, 7 months ago

David Littleproud claims Australia has the most secure food security in the world. Is he correct?

ABC  

The claim With Australians bunkering down amid the COVID-19 pandemic, panic buying and hoarding of everyday groceries led to severe shortages of some products. The Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, went so far as to declare that Australia " the most secure food security in the world". That may cause "inconvenience" to some consumers, but ABARES …

Steak is still safe to eat, experts say, despite the coronavirus outbreak at a Melbourne abattoir
4 years, 8 months ago

Steak is still safe to eat, experts say, despite the coronavirus outbreak at a Melbourne abattoir

ABC  

A coronavirus outbreak at a Melbourne meatworks has left some consumers questioning the safety of the meat they are grabbing off supermarket shelves. Professor Mackay said there was "no indication" humans could acquire the virus "from raw meat". A spokesperson said COVID-19 is "not a foodborne disease" and there is no evidence that people can get the virus through food …

Coronavirus Outbreak: COVID-19 exposes lacunae in India's food security, system needs overhaul from production to last-mile delivery
4 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus Outbreak: COVID-19 exposes lacunae in India's food security, system needs overhaul from production to last-mile delivery

Firstpost  

One of the most critical challenges that the current coronavirus pandemic has underscored is India’s ability of the food sector to effectively cope with crisis situations. The global coronavirus health crisis, inter alia, has exposed the systemic deficiencies in India’s food security systems and the tilted priorities between its defence and food sector. Food security Coming to the other side …

Global hunger could double due to coronavirus pandemic: UN
4 years, 8 months ago

Global hunger could double due to coronavirus pandemic: UN

Al Jazeera  

COVID-19 is likely to leave 130 million people acutely hungry this year, adding to 135 million already in the category. The number of people facing acute food insecurity could nearly double this year to 265 million due to the economic fallout of COVID-19, according to the United Nations World Food Programme. New report Tuesday’s fourth annual Global Report on Food …

Australia is one of the most food secure nations in the world, despite droughts and coronavirus pandemic
4 years, 8 months ago

Australia is one of the most food secure nations in the world, despite droughts and coronavirus pandemic

ABC  

Australia will not run out of food during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new Government report. The ABARES insights report, released by the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment says that any concerns about Australian food security were "misplaced". "Despite temporary shortages of some food items in supermarkets caused by an unexpected surge in demand, Australia does not have …

Coronavirus: Australia slams WHO support for China wet markets
4 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus: Australia slams WHO support for China wet markets

Daily Mail  

Australia has piled pressure on the World Health Organisation after it backed the reopening of China's wet markets despite them being the likely origin of COVID-19. The WHO last week claimed China's wet markets could be made to sell safe food with increased hygiene practices and refused to support their closure as they are an important source of food and …

The Coronavirus Reveals The 'Invisible Inequalities' In Our Food System
4 years, 8 months ago

The Coronavirus Reveals The 'Invisible Inequalities' In Our Food System

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Americans are worried about food, many for the first time in their lives. Every single part of the food system is affected by, starting from production and where we are going to get people to harvest food if they’re not allowed to be near each other or come into the country. Bill Hayes We’re seeing the shelves …

Covid-19 could threaten global food supply, UN warns
4 years, 8 months ago

Covid-19 could threaten global food supply, UN warns

CNN  

Hong Kong CNN — As the novel coronavirus pandemic shuts down businesses globally and sends countries into lockdown, the disruptions are threatening to cut off supply chains and increase food insecurity. “But a protracted pandemic crisis could quickly put a strain on the food supply chains, a complex web of interactions involving farmers, agricultural inputs, processing plants, shipping, retailers and …

Farmers enjoy fivefold rise in food sales as coronavirus drives more people to avoid supermarkets
4 years, 9 months ago

Farmers enjoy fivefold rise in food sales as coronavirus drives more people to avoid supermarkets

ABC  

After extended periods of bushfires and drought, coronavirus was looking like yet another blow to Australia's farmers. "We've seen an 85 to 100 per cent increase in orders this month alone," Mrs Richardson said. "Most people came through the front door and bought their fresh fruit and vegetables and now we're doing a box service," Mr Rehbein said. Stay up-to-date …

Panic buying could impact global food supply chain: World Food Programme
4 years, 9 months ago

Panic buying could impact global food supply chain: World Food Programme

Live Mint  

United Nations: The rapidly growing novel coronavirus pandemic is so far having little impact on the global food supply chain, but that could change for the worse – and soon – if anxiety-driven panic by major food importers takes hold, the World Food Programme has said. "But we may soon expect to see disruptions in food supply chains," she said, …

Coronavirus | World could face a food crisis: UN, WTO
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus | World could face a food crisis: UN, WTO

The Hindu  

The heads of three global agencies warned on Wednesday of the risk of a worldwide “food shortage” if authorities fail to manage the ongoing COVID-19 crisis properly. “Uncertainty about food availability can spark a wave of export restrictions, creating a shortage on the global market,” said the joint text signed by Qu Dongyu, head of the UN’s Food and Agriculture …

World risks food crisis in wake of coronavirus, officials warn
4 years, 9 months ago

World risks food crisis in wake of coronavirus, officials warn

Al Jazeera  

Governments must ensure free trade especially to avoid further slowdowns in food-supply chains, WTO, WHO, UN say. As governments around the world are trying to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus by putting their populations in lockdown, international trade and food supply chains suffered a severe slowdown. “Uncertainty about food availability can spark a wave of export restrictions, creating …

Australia is moving to stage 2 restrictions to curb the coronavirus outbreak. Here's what's included
4 years, 9 months ago

Australia is moving to stage 2 restrictions to curb the coronavirus outbreak. Here's what's included

ABC  

As of midnight Wednesday, beauty services are closed, but hairdressers will still be able to operate. "People should stay at home unless they're going for essential services and shopping, unless they're going for medical services or to work or for exercise or children to school," Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said. "It is very important that they strictly manage the …

Coronavirus: Food rationing must be introduced immediately, experts warn government
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus: Food rationing must be introduced immediately, experts warn government

The Independent  

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy …

Coronavirus panic buying takes root at nurseries selling fruit and vegetable plants and seeds
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus panic buying takes root at nurseries selling fruit and vegetable plants and seeds

ABC  

First it was the panic buying of toilet rolls, then staples like rice, pasta and meat — now it's spread to the nursery industry as demand for edible plants and seeds heats up due to coronavirus. Key points: Some people who have been in the industry for decades describe the run on plants as "unprecedented" Many people buying plants at …

I'm working at a supermarket during the coronavirus pandemic. This is what it's like
4 years, 9 months ago

I'm working at a supermarket during the coronavirus pandemic. This is what it's like

ABC  

As a supermarket worker, last week started out like any other. Toilet paper panic Photo shows Trolley loaded with toilet paper at an Australian supermarket in coronavirus story about why everyone's buying toilet paper. COVID-19 and working from home Photo shows Fiona Wright stands on a balcony with plants in story about working from home due to coronavirus and looking …

Farmers call for calm amid unprecedented coronavirus supermarket panic buying
4 years, 9 months ago

Farmers call for calm amid unprecedented coronavirus supermarket panic buying

ABC  

Australia won't run out of things to eat and drink, and shoppers have no reason to panic, according to food growers and manufacturers. Key points: Farmers launch a marketing campaign reminding Australians there won't be a food shortage The farm lobby will tell people "Aussie farmers have your back" The Prime Minister has urged people to stop panic buying and …

Coronavirus panic-buying threatens food security in remote NT community
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus panic-buying threatens food security in remote NT community

ABC  

A remote NT community is facing the prospect of running out of food, a local Aboriginal group says, as panic-buying amid the coronavirus outbreak disrupts local supplies. Key points: The community of Gan Gan has around 130 people Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation said the town had less than a week's food left Gan Gan locals are concerned and say they …

'Essential' farmers' markets free of coronavirus crowd bans, Health Department confirms
4 years, 9 months ago

'Essential' farmers' markets free of coronavirus crowd bans, Health Department confirms

ABC  

Farmers' markets around Australia have official clearance to go ahead this weekend - and are preparing for a potential onslaught after unprecedented panic buying and hoarding at supermarkets. Key points: Farmers' markets have been ruled "essential" by the Federal Government Stallholders have been given food-handling instructions Increased efforts will be made to maximise public safety On Wednesday, Prime Minister Scott …

Coronavirus isn't causing Australia to run out of food — but why are shelves still bare?
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus isn't causing Australia to run out of food — but why are shelves still bare?

ABC  

Until a couple of weeks ago — before the coronavirus crisis — the biggest queues you would probably expect to see at supermarkets were at checkouts, as people lined up to leave. "I think a lot of consumers — they worry that something won't be available, and so they don't really understand what goes behind the shelf," Associate Professor Simpson …

ACT records third case of coronavirus disease COVID-19 as panicked Canberrans empty shelves
4 years, 9 months ago

ACT records third case of coronavirus disease COVID-19 as panicked Canberrans empty shelves

ABC  

The ACT Government has confirmed a third case of coronavirus, as panicked Canberrans drive up to an hour-and-a-half away to buy groceries. Key points: The third confirmed case in Canberra is a woman in her 70s who tested positive last night As of 8:00am today, 1,389 people in the ACT have returned negative tests for the disease The two earlier …

Scott Morrison says panic buying driven by coronavirus lockdown fears is 'ridiculous' and 'un-Australian'
4 years, 9 months ago

Scott Morrison says panic buying driven by coronavirus lockdown fears is 'ridiculous' and 'un-Australian'

ABC  

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has told people to stop hoarding supplies, saying he is disappointed at the "un-Australian" panic buying being driven by fears around the coronavirus pandemic. Key points: Mr Morrison said there was no reason for shoppers to hoard goods He urged Australians to use their common sense and not abuse staff The CEO of Woolworths said there …

Australia coronavirus outbreak: PM warns of ‘once-in-100 year’ crisis
4 years, 9 months ago

Australia coronavirus outbreak: PM warns of ‘once-in-100 year’ crisis

CNN  

Brisbane, Australia CNN — Australian Prime Minister has warned people to “stop hoarding,” as shoppers across the country empty supermarket shelves amid rising alarm over the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus, which has infected almost 180,000 people worldwide. Some fear the rapid rise in coronavirus cases suggest that Australia’s normally robust health system could be overwhelmed, like Italy’s where …

Farmers warn harvests could be lost if coronavirus lockdown means they lose workers to pick produce
4 years, 9 months ago

Farmers warn harvests could be lost if coronavirus lockdown means they lose workers to pick produce

Daily Mail  

Farmers have warned that fruit and vegetable harvests may be lost due to a shortage of staff due to a coronavirus lockdown. Australian growers rely on a steady influx of foreign workers to pick produce, but travel bans and self-isolating measures may cause them to lose crops through not having enough hands to collect them. 'There are people overseas making …

Coronavirus quarantine rule prompts WA threat of $50,000 penalty as panic buying intensifies
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus quarantine rule prompts WA threat of $50,000 penalty as panic buying intensifies

ABC  

People arriving in Western Australia who are caught breaching a directive to self-isolate for two weeks face up to a $50,000 fine as the state seeks to slow the spread of coronavirus. Key points: Overseas arrivals are being ordered to self-isolate for 14 days Panic buying has increased across Perth with shelves stripped bare One more positive coronavirus test in …

Coronavirus pandemic driving strong demand for local fruit and vegetables
4 years, 9 months ago

Coronavirus pandemic driving strong demand for local fruit and vegetables

ABC  

As humanity's most pressing health crisis plays out across the globe, Australian consumers appear to be rushing to boost their immunity with locally grown vegetables. Key points: Demand for locally produced fruit and vegetables is strong amid coronavirus fears Some WA producers say it is the best year they have had in a decade On the flip side, the global …

Toilet paper, canned food: What explains coronavirus panic buying
4 years, 9 months ago

Toilet paper, canned food: What explains coronavirus panic buying

Al Jazeera  

As the epidemic spreads across the globe, people have been seen rushing to supermarkets to buy ‘essentials’ in bulk. “Panic buying and hoarding of supplies is obviously not desirable, but it’s understandable, particularly when people see images of cities, regions and even whole countries in lockdown,” Michael Baker, professor of public health at the University of Otago in Wellington, New …

Spike in UK Coronavirus cases triggers panic buying fever
4 years, 9 months ago

Spike in UK Coronavirus cases triggers panic buying fever

India Today  

A spike in coronavirus cases in the United Kingdom has triggered panic buying of many goods including hand santisers and face masks. Panic buying is occcured in the UK despite government Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance's statement that there is "absolutely no reason" to panic buy products. People visiting supermarkets or shops in the UK say it has become …

Coronavirus: Australia running out of toilet paper
4 years, 10 months ago

Coronavirus: Australia running out of toilet paper

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

Covid19 scare prompts \'panic buy\' in Australia
4 years, 10 months ago

Covid19 scare prompts \'panic buy\' in Australia

Deccan Chronicle  

Sydney: Australia's biggest supermarket on Wednesday announced a limit on toilet paper purchases after the global spread of coronavirus sparked a spate of panic buying Down Under. Woolworths said the restriction of four packs of toilet paper per person would apply "to ensure more customers have access to the products". Despite government assurances, there has been a run on some …

Coronavirus panic buying increase at Australian stores - toilet paper, bottled water first to go
4 years, 10 months ago

Coronavirus panic buying increase at Australian stores - toilet paper, bottled water first to go

Daily Mail  

Major supermarkets throughout Australia are running out of stock as customers panic buy supplies amid a potential coronavirus outbreak. The aisles in Coles in Claremont, Perth were unusually empty on Saturday as shoppers stockpiled the essentials One shopper was shocked to realise her local supermarket in Hornsby, Sydney, was entirely sold out of pasta A Costco in Casula, Sydney, sold …

Coronavirus fears prompt shoppers to stock up on essential items, stripping supermarket shelves
4 years, 10 months ago

Coronavirus fears prompt shoppers to stock up on essential items, stripping supermarket shelves

ABC  

Across the country supermarket shelves are being stripped bare as Australians start stocking up on essentials, should a coronavirus pandemic be officially declared. Key points: Items like tinned food, toilet paper and medical supplies are being stockpiled Experts recommend adding long-life and essential items to a "pandemic stash", rather than panic buying Those suffering from medical conditions are recommended to …

FOOD AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS TO STOCKPILE IN A PANDEMIC
4 years, 10 months ago

FOOD AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS TO STOCKPILE IN A PANDEMIC

Daily Mail  

Source: Virology Down Under by University of Queensland virologists Dr Ian Mackay and Dr Katherine Arden Read articles that feature this panel From dried foods to toilet paper and drinking water - expert lists the items you need to stock up on before coronavirus becomes a global. Coronavirus panic buying at Coles sees shoppers clear the shelves of bottled water …

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