Meat plants are closing. But you don’t have to panic shop
CNNNew York CNN Business — Across the country, meat processors are temporarily shutting down as workers are getting infected with Covid-19. “I don’t think the shutdowns so far have been enough to be noticeable” to consumers, said Steve Meyer, an economist with commodity firm Kerns and Associates. “We can draw on that should we have some shortages.” Smithfield and other meat processors have closed processing plants because of the pandemic. Tyson, one of the world’s largest meat processors, suspended operations at its Columbus Junction, Iowa, pork plant last week. Christine McCracken, senior analyst of animal protein for Rabobank, said that plant closures or reductions in operations due to labor shortages or social distancing efforts may mean fewer options.