Coronavirus restrictions on food processing in Victoria won't lead to shortages, says Premier Daniel Andrews
ABCVictorian Premier Daniel Andrews is adamant his severe restrictions on staffing levels at food processing and distribution centres will not lead to national food shortages. Key points: Victoria's red-meat plants will have their staff numbers cut to 66 per cent from Sunday Victoria's red-meat plants will have their staff numbers cut to 66 per cent from Sunday Chicken processing will be down to 80 per cent due to its different life cycle Chicken processing will be down to 80 per cent due to its different life cycle The Masters Grocers Association says the measures are "not practical" and could cause shortages In recent days, the food and grocery industry has been warning of serious supply shortages in Victoria, with flow-on effects for Australia, if food distribution centres and abattoirs are forced to cut staffing levels by one-third this weekend. Red meat plants — beef, lamb, and pork processing centres — will have their staff numbers cut to 66 per cent. Mr De Bruin said he'd be seeking clarification to see if a 30 per cent reduction in staff could be applied to a business's overall operation, rather than to each business unit within an operation.