After reports of processing plants being shut down, some people fearful of shortage are buying meat in bulk. The meat shortage is a result of food supply chain disruptions caused by the coronavirus. This has led shoppers to overbuy products like chicken, beef and pork.
According to a CBSN Philly report, officials are asking that families only buy what is necessary for regular consumption. Meanwhile, some grocery stores are now considering setting purchasing limits.
An instance of this situation is a sign in Esposito’s Meats in Philadelphia’s Italian Market:: “Due to current shortages in the meat industry, please know that some of your favorite items might not be available.”
You can read: Philiabundance works to meet the increased demand for food due to coronavirus
Across the country, meat processing plants have struggled with sickness, employee attendance and supply chain disruption.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order this week to keep meat processing plants open by considering them essential under the Defense Production Act. Despite this, experts believe that to meet the demand can take longer than expected.
“In Pennsylvania, we have been doing what is outlined in the executive order for some time,” said Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.
Officials say efforts are being made so unsold crops do not go to waste. Dairy has also proven to be a complicated commodity.
“In the course of six weeks, we have increased consumption by 200% initially in the first two weeks of COVID-19. They have now dropped off to be 15 to 20% of what was normal. It’s still elevated but it goes back to where do we consume, what we eat and it’s now all in the home,” Redding said.
Noticias Newswire
