One of America’s biggest meat processors warns ‘the food supply chain is breaking’ in open letter
4 years, 8 months ago

One of America’s biggest meat processors warns ‘the food supply chain is breaking’ in open letter

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. John Tyson, the chairman of Tyson Food, says the forced closures of meat plants due to the pandemic will create significant disruptions to the nation’s supply chain and potentially leave people with limited options for buying meat. “As pork, beef and chicken plants are being forced to close, even for short periods of time, millions of pounds of meat will disappear from the supply chain,” Mr Tyson wrote. “The food supply chain is breaking,” Mr Tyson wrote. “The food supply chain is a critical industry in the United States and secretary Perdue fully recognises the need to keep workers and inspectors safe during the Covid-19 national emergency,” the spokesperson said.

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History of this topic

Animal rights group says chickens were abused, but Tyson Foods cut ties with the farm on its own
1 year, 7 months ago

Animal rights group says chickens were abused, but Tyson Foods cut ties with the farm on its own

Associated Press  

An animal rights group said Wednesday that a Virginia farm that raised chickens for Tyson Foods mistreated the animals, allowing some of them to go without feed and water at times. “We have a longstanding commitment to the welfare, proper handling, and humane treatment and care of animals in our supply chain.” Animal Outlook’s Executive Director Cheryl Leahy said Tyson …

Meat industry made ‘baseless’ claims of Covid shortages to press Trump to keep plants open, report says
2 years, 7 months ago

Meat industry made ‘baseless’ claims of Covid shortages to press Trump to keep plants open, report says

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy American meat producers used “baseless” claims of potential meat shortages …

Meat industry asks for compassion for workers struggling amid COVID-19 chaos
2 years, 11 months ago

Meat industry asks for compassion for workers struggling amid COVID-19 chaos

ABC  

As supermarket fridges continue to be stripped bare of meat, union officials want consumers to spare a thought for slaughterhouses where hundreds of workers have fallen ill. Key points: Hundreds of meatworkers have either had COVID or worked or lived with someone who has COVID isolation protocols have disrupted meat supply chains Union officials say kill rates at some plants …

Tyson Foods, Microsoft to require vaccination for US workers
3 years, 5 months ago

Tyson Foods, Microsoft to require vaccination for US workers

Associated Press  

ARLINGTON, Va. — Tyson Foods will require all of its U.S. employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19, becoming one of the first major employers of front-line workers to do so amid a resurgence of the virus. Many companies that rely on large low-income workforces have far largely declined to mandate vaccines for their front-line workers, making Tyson’s announcement significant. One …

Food giant Tyson to require COVID vaccination for all US workers
3 years, 5 months ago

Food giant Tyson to require COVID vaccination for all US workers

Al Jazeera  

Meat processing giant Tyson is one of the first major employers of front-line workers to require all of its US employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as the coronavirus experiences a resurgence. Meat processer Tyson Foods will require all of its employees in the United States to get vaccinated against COVID-19, becoming one of the first major employers of front-line …

Food production lines now failing due to pingdemic, meat body chief warns: ‘Everyone is struggling’
3 years, 5 months ago

Food production lines now failing due to pingdemic, meat body chief warns: ‘Everyone is struggling’

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 Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Supply chains are already “starting to fail” due to …

USDA unveils plan to help build small meat processing plants
3 years, 5 months ago

USDA unveils plan to help build small meat processing plants

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 Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The federal government promised Friday …

Tyson fires 7 at Iowa pork plant after COVID betting inquiry
4 years ago

Tyson fires 7 at Iowa pork plant after COVID betting inquiry

Associated Press  

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Tyson Foods has fired seven top managers at its largest pork plant after an independent investigation confirmed allegations that they bet on how many workers would test positive for the coronavirus, the company announced Wednesday. “I hope Eric Holder stays on this case and continues to investigate the real issue: How is it that more than …

US lacks mandatory safety measures to protect meat workers from COVID-19: media
4 years, 3 months ago

US lacks mandatory safety measures to protect meat workers from COVID-19: media

China Daily  

Butchers at Old Fashion Country Butcher process meat as they work to meet increased demand due to COVID-19 related shortages on May 21, 2020 in Santa Paula, California. NEW YORK -- The United States "has yet to impose any mandatory safety measures" on meat plants to protect their workers from contracting COVID-19, issuing only voluntary guidelines, Bloomberg reported Monday. The …

Smithfield Foods pork plant faces OSHA fine from outbreak
4 years, 3 months ago

Smithfield Foods pork plant faces OSHA fine from outbreak

Associated Press  

— Federal regulators said Thursday they have cited Smithfield Foods for failing to protect employees from exposure to the coronavirus at the company’s Sioux Falls plant, an early hot spot for virus infections that hobbled American meatpacking plants. She blamed coronavirus infections in Sioux Falls for causing the outbreak at the plant Employees at the plant have said Smithfield did …

WHO plays down China's worry over coronavirus on food packaging after chicken wings found with COVID-19
4 years, 4 months ago

WHO plays down China's worry over coronavirus on food packaging after chicken wings found with COVID-19

ABC  

The World Health Organisation has moved to allay fears coronavirus could be spreading via food shipments. Key points: A WHO spokesman said people should not fear food, food packaging or processing or delivery of food A WHO spokesman said people should not fear food, food packaging or processing or delivery of food China had tested hundreds of thousands of packages …

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 …

Outbreak at Iowa pork plant was larger than state reported
4 years, 5 months ago

Outbreak at Iowa pork plant was larger than state reported

Associated Press  

IOWA CITY, Iowa — The first confirmed coronavirus outbreak at an Iowa meatpacking plant was far more severe than previously known, with more than twice as many workers becoming infected than the state Department of Public Health told the public, newly released records show. On May 5, Reynolds said at her then-daily news briefing that the public health department had …

Meat packing plants become the latest Covid-19 hotbeds
4 years, 6 months ago

Meat packing plants become the latest Covid-19 hotbeds

CNN  

Llangefni, Wales CNN — In the picturesque market town of Llangefni on the Welsh island of Anglesey, almost all the shops are closed and the town is empty amid the ongoing lockdown. There have been so many outbreaks in meat packing factories around the world that scientists are now examining whether the environment inside the plants could be part of …

Hundreds test positive for coronavirus at Tyson Foods plant in Arkansas
4 years, 6 months ago

Hundreds test positive for coronavirus at Tyson Foods plant in Arkansas

Hindustan Times  

Tyson Foods is looking into reports that China’s customs agency has suspended poultry imports from a Tyson facility in the United States after coronavirus cases were confirmed among its employees. A Tyson spokesman said Sunday that the plant in question is in Springdale, Arkansas. “At Tyson, our top priority is the health and safety of our team members, and we …

Hundreds test positive at Tyson Foods plant in Arkansas as China suspends imports
4 years, 6 months ago

Hundreds test positive at Tyson Foods plant in Arkansas as China suspends imports

LA Times  

Tyson Foods is looking into reports that China’s customs agency has suspended poultry imports from a Tyson facility in the U.S. after hundreds of coronavirus cases were confirmed among its employees. “At Tyson, we’re confident our products are safe and we’re hopeful consultations between the U.S. and Chinese governments will resolve this matter,” spokesman Gary Mickelson wrote in an email …

Slaughterhouses have to better protect employees against coronavirus, Minister says
4 years, 7 months ago

Slaughterhouses have to better protect employees against coronavirus, Minister says

NL Times  

Slaughterhouses must take measures themselves to protect their employees against the coronavirus and make sure that they can do their work safely, Minister Carola Schouten of Agriculture and Food Quality said after consultation with the meat sector. Schouten met with the meat sector after 147 of the 657 employees at Vion slaughterhouse and meat processor in Groenlo tested positive for …

Dutch meat processing plant closed as 45 workers test positive for Covid-19
4 years, 7 months ago

Dutch meat processing plant closed as 45 workers test positive for Covid-19

Dutch News  

There are strong indications that coronavirus will lead to more slaughterhouse and meat factory closures in the Netherlands, FNV spokesman John Klijn has told the AD, following news of a second outbreak at a Vion plant in the south. The Groenlo plant, which processes organic pork, was closed on Wednesday after health and safety officials withdrew because of the coronavirus …

Dutch meat processing plant closed as 45 workers test positive for Covid-19
4 years, 7 months ago

Dutch meat processing plant closed as 45 workers test positive for Covid-19

Dutch News  

There are strong indications that coronavirus will lead to more slaughterhouse and meat factory closures in the Netherlands, FNV spokesman John Klijn has told the AD, following news of a second outbreak at a Vion plant in the south. The Groenlo plant, which processes organic pork, was closed on Wednesday after health and safety officials withdrew because of the coronavirus …

Coronavirus: Iowa meatpacking plant reopens despite more than 1,000 cases among workers
4 years, 7 months ago

Coronavirus: Iowa meatpacking plant reopens despite more than 1,000 cases among workers

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A Tyson Foods meatpacking …

Some Meatpackers Question New COVID-19 Safety Guidelines
4 years, 7 months ago

Some Meatpackers Question New COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

NPR  

Some Meatpackers Question New COVID-19 Safety Guidelines toggle caption Christina Stella/NET Radio Thousands of meatpacking workers across the country were recently ordered back to work in plants that have seen massive outbreaks of COVID-19. And while Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has promised the agency is "working round the clock" to implement OSHA's recent pandemic safety guidelines for meatpackers, many are …

Coronavirus outbreak at Tyson pork-processing plant infected 1,031 workers, officials say
4 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus outbreak at Tyson pork-processing plant infected 1,031 workers, officials say

LA Times  

Workers leave the Tyson Foods pork processing plant in Logansport, Ind. Local officials say the coronavirus outbreak at a Tyson Foods pork-processing plant in Iowa infected more than 1,000 workers, a far greater number than the state or company has acknowledged. Black Hawk County health officials said Thursday that they have identified 1,031 workers at the Waterloo plant who have …

The Latest: Tyson Foods to reopen pork plant in Iowa
4 years, 8 months ago

The Latest: Tyson Foods to reopen pork plant in Iowa

Associated Press  

The Latest on the coronavirus pandemic. —South Korea reports only two new fresh cases of coronavirus —Tyson Foods to reopen pork processing plant in Iowa that was closed by coronavirus outbreak among workers. ___ NEW DELHI — Indian authorities have decided to shut down liquor shops in Mumbai, India’s financial capital which is the worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic, …

Tyson reopens largest US pork plant in Iowa two weeks after it was shuttered amid COVID-19 outbreak
4 years, 8 months ago

Tyson reopens largest US pork plant in Iowa two weeks after it was shuttered amid COVID-19 outbreak

Daily Mail  

Tyson Foods Inc is preparing to reopen its largest US pork plant where at least 444 workers tested positive for COVID-19 and two died. Tyson Foods is preparing to reopen its largest US pork processing plant in Waterloo, Iowa, this week after a coronavirus outbreak sickened at least 444 workers and killed two Some of the largest slaughterhouses and processing …

Tyson’s will reopen its biggest pork plant after a Covid-19 outbreak
4 years, 8 months ago

Tyson’s will reopen its biggest pork plant after a Covid-19 outbreak

CNN  

Raleigh, North Carolina CNN Business — Tyson Foods says its largest US pork plant will reopen Thursdayafter a major coronavirus outbreak forced the company to shut down the facility two weeks ago. The Black Hawk County health department linked the Waterloo Tyson plant to 182 of the county’s Covid-19 cases on April 21. Tyson also said it has doubled its …

Coronavirus cuts ‘deep scars’ through meatpacking cities
4 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus cuts ‘deep scars’ through meatpacking cities

Associated Press  

IOWA CITY, Iowa — As the coronavirus spread from the nation’s meatpacking plants to the broader communities where they are located, it burned through a modest duplex in Waterloo, Iowa. The virus is “devastating everything,” said duplex owner Jose Garcia, who received notification two days apart from his deceased tenants’ relatives. I never thought something that I can’t see could …

Major grocery chains rationing meat purchases to curb hoarding
4 years, 8 months ago

Major grocery chains rationing meat purchases to curb hoarding

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Some of the biggest …

Some meat plants reopen, but Trump order may not be cure-all
4 years, 8 months ago

Some meat plants reopen, but Trump order may not be cure-all

Associated Press  

— Signs Friday that several big meatpacking plants will soon reopen might appear to support President Donald Trump’s assertion that he had “solved their problems” in keeping grocery stores’ coolers stocked during the coronavirus crisis. A Smithfield Foods pork processing plant in South Dakota where more than 850 workers tested positive will partially reopen Monday after shuttering for more than …

Nearly 900 workers at Indiana meat plant test positive for coronavirus as food shortage fears grow
4 years, 8 months ago

Nearly 900 workers at Indiana meat plant test positive for coronavirus as food shortage fears grow

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The number of reported …

Despite Trump executive order, meat-processing plants struggle to stay open
4 years, 8 months ago

Despite Trump executive order, meat-processing plants struggle to stay open

CNN  

CNN — Days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at keeping meat-processing facilities open amid the coronavirus pandemic, plants across the country are scrambling to balance worker safety with pressure from the federal government to remain operational. Top Department of Labor officials said in a statement about the order that “good faith attempts” to comply with the …

Is the food supply chain breaking? Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s coronavirus podcast for April 30
4 years, 8 months ago

Is the food supply chain breaking? Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s coronavirus podcast for April 30

CNN  

CNN — Meat processing plants have become the latest hot spot in the novel coronavirus outbreak, sparking concerns that our food supply chain is breaking. CNN “OutFront” Anchor Erin Burnett: New tonight, President Trump signing an executive order to keep meat processing plants open, amid growing concerns about the nation’s food supply. Dr. Sanjay Gupta: We’ve been hearing a lot …

Meatpackers welcome Trump order; others question virus risks
4 years, 8 months ago

Meatpackers welcome Trump order; others question virus risks

Associated Press  

— Big meatpacking companies that have struggled to keep plants running during the coronavirus crisis said Wednesday that they welcomed President Donald Trump’s executive order requiring them to stay open, but unions, some employees and Democrats questioned whether workers could be kept safe. Trump, who consulted with industry leaders before issuing the order, said it would relieve “bottlenecks” that the …

Trump order keeping meat packing plants open worries unions
4 years, 8 months ago

Trump order keeping meat packing plants open worries unions

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump took executive action to order meat processing plants to stay open amid concerns over growing coronavirus cases and the impact on the nation’s food supply. Trump on Tuesday said the order would address what he described as a “legal roadblock.” It will “solve any liability problems where they had certain liability problems and we’ll be …

Workers Scared As Trump Orders Meat Plants To Open During Coronavirus Crisis
4 years, 8 months ago

Workers Scared As Trump Orders Meat Plants To Open During Coronavirus Crisis

NPR  

Workers Scared As Trump Orders Meat Plants To Open During Coronavirus Crisis Enlarge this image toggle caption David Zalubowski/AP David Zalubowski/AP President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to keep meatpacking plants in the U.S. open during the coronavirus pandemic. The president's executive order to keep the plants open notes that some of the plant closures "may be inconsistent with" …

The real reason Trump treats meatpacking workers as disposable (opinion)
4 years, 8 months ago

The real reason Trump treats meatpacking workers as disposable (opinion)

CNN  

Editor’s Note: Raul A. Reyes is an attorney and a member of the USA Today board of contributors. Raul A. Reyes CNN Tuesday, he used the Defense Production Act to order meat and poultry processing plants to stay open, despite the coronavirus pandemic. “We’re working very hard,” Trump said, “to make sure our food supply chain is sound and plentiful.” …

Meat plant workers to Trump: Employees aren’t going to show up
4 years, 8 months ago

Meat plant workers to Trump: Employees aren’t going to show up

CNN  

New York CNN Business — Meat-processing plant workers are concerned about President Donald Trump’s executive order that compels plants to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic. “All I know is, this is crazy to me, because I can’t see all these people going back into work,” said Donald, who works at Tyson’s Waterloo, Iowa, facility. “We’re going to sign an …

How giant Tyson Foods helped create the meat shortage it now warns against
4 years, 8 months ago

How giant Tyson Foods helped create the meat shortage it now warns against

LA Times  

In an April photo provided by Tyson Foods, workers wear protective masks and stand between plastic dividers at the company’s Camilla, Ga., poultry processing plant. John Tyson, the billionaire whose family business reigns as the largest meat processor in the U.S., took out ads in national newspapers to complain about a “breaking” food supply chain. “It’s also affected thousands of …

Trump Orders Meatpacking Plants To Stay Open
4 years, 8 months ago

Trump Orders Meatpacking Plants To Stay Open

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING President Donald Trump has invoked the Defense Production Act to force meat processing plants operated by Tyson Foods and other major suppliers to stay open even as the coronavirus spreads among workers. The president’s executive order, signed Tuesday evening, hands oversight powers to the Department of Agriculture “to determine the proper nationwide priorities and allocation of all …

Coronavirus US: Meat shortages possible 'by end of the WEEK'
4 years, 8 months ago

Coronavirus US: Meat shortages possible 'by end of the WEEK'

Daily Mail  

Grocery stores could see meat shortages by the end of this week, according to experts, after least 13 plant staff died from COVID-19 and 5,000 called out sick. Grocery stores could see meat shortages by the end of this week after least 13 plant staff died from COVID-19 and 5,000 called out sick. The chairman of Tyson Foods warned that …

Trump orders meat processing plants to stay open
4 years, 8 months ago

Trump orders meat processing plants to stay open

CNN  

Washington CNN — President Donald Trump signed an executive order under the Defense Production Act to compel meat processing plants to remain open amid the coronavirus pandemic. Tyson Foods spokesman Gary Mickelson wouldn’t comment on the order because the company had not seen it, but said: “We can tell you our top priority remains the safety our team members and …

Meat shortages may be coming at grocery stores soon. Here’s why
4 years, 8 months ago

Meat shortages may be coming at grocery stores soon. Here’s why

CNN  

New York CNN Business — The coronavirus pandemic is wreaking havoc on the supply chain, hitting everyone from farmers to automakers to retailers. “We definitely can see shortage of products in the grocery stores,” said Jeff Sindelar, an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences with an expertise in meat processing. There’s “no question” …

Virus is expected to reduce meat selection and raise prices
4 years, 8 months ago

Virus is expected to reduce meat selection and raise prices

Associated Press  

DES MOINES, Iowa — Meat isn’t going to disappear from supermarkets because of outbreaks of the coronavirus among workers at U.S. slaughterhouses. On Sunday, the meat processing giant Tyson Foods ran a full-page “This means one thing — the food supply chain is vulnerable,” the statement said. “As pork, beef and chicken plants are being forced to close, even for …

Meat processing plants across the US are closing due to the pandemic. Will consumers feel the impact?
4 years, 8 months ago

Meat processing plants across the US are closing due to the pandemic. Will consumers feel the impact?

CNN  

New York CNN Business — Concerns about the US food chain supply made their way into the mainstream this week, as more meat processing and packaging plants suspend operations temporarily due to coronavirus outbreaks in the workforce. With meat processing plants closing and reopening on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis, experts warn production will likely continue on this current volatile …

Tyson Foods warns that ‘the food supply chain is breaking’ as plants close
4 years, 8 months ago

Tyson Foods warns that ‘the food supply chain is breaking’ as plants close

CNN  

New York CNN Business — Tyson Foods is warning that “millions of pounds of meat” will disappear from the supply chain as the coronavirus pandemic pushes food processing plants to close, leading to product shortages in grocery stores across the country. “The food supply chain is breaking,” wrote board chairman John Tyson in a full-page US farmers don’t have anywhere …

America’s food supply system is broken. Here’s how we can fix it (opinion)
4 years, 8 months ago

America’s food supply system is broken. Here’s how we can fix it (opinion)

CNN  

Editor’s Note: A version of this commentary originally published in April. CNN — I first met Scott Blubaugh, the president of the Oklahoma Farmers Union, last year when I was filming an episode on family farms for “United Shades of America.” There’s a lot of talk in this country of farmers as the backbone of America, and we were trying …

America’s food supply system is broken. Here’s how we can fix it (opinion)
4 years, 8 months ago

America’s food supply system is broken. Here’s how we can fix it (opinion)

CNN  

Editor’s Note: A version of this commentary originally published in April. CNN — I first met Scott Blubaugh, the president of the Oklahoma Farmers Union, last year when I was filming an episode on family farms for “United Shades of America.” There’s a lot of talk in this country of farmers as the backbone of America, and we were trying …

U.S. meat processing plants face huge challenge in curbing coronavirus spread
4 years, 8 months ago

U.S. meat processing plants face huge challenge in curbing coronavirus spread

LA Times  

Workers wear protective masks and stand between plastic dividers at Tyson Foods’ Camilla, Ga., poultry processing plant. The closures shouldn’t cause any immediate meat shortages or big price jumps at supermarkets, but as Purdue University economist Jason Lusk noted, “It’s a very fluid and volatile situation to keep an eye out for in the days to come.” Food Coronavirus puts …

Stopping virus a huge challenge at crowded US meat plants
4 years, 8 months ago

Stopping virus a huge challenge at crowded US meat plants

Associated Press  

— Daily reports of giant meat-processing plants closing because workers tested positive for the coronavirus have called into question whether slaughterhouses can remain virus-free. Kim Reynolds, whose state leads the nation in pork production, acknowledged the likelihood of “clusters of positive cases” at meat-processing plants but said the operations must remain open. “The scary thing is you know if it …

Tyson Foods idles largest pork plant as virus slams industry
4 years, 8 months ago

Tyson Foods idles largest pork plant as virus slams industry

Associated Press  

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Tyson Foods suspended operations Wednesday at an Iowa plant that is critical to the nation’s pork supply but was blamed for fueling a massive coronavirus outbreak in the region. In Texas, state health investigators said Wednesday they have identified 114 cases of COVID-19 “associated” with a JBS Beef plant and are working to determine whether there’s …

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