The Arkansas-based company said the closure of the plant in Waterloo would deny a vital market to hog farmers and further disrupt U.S. meat supply. Tyson had kept the facility, its largest pork plant, open in recent days over the objections of alarmed local officials.The plant can process 19,500 hogs per day, accounting for 3.9% of U.S. pork processing capacity, according to the National Pork Board.
Several facilities have temporarily closed due to virus outbreaks, including a Smithfield Foods plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a JBS USA plant in Worthington, Minnesota, and a Redwood Farms Meat Processors in Estherville, Iowa. Others have stayed open or resumed production after pauses for testing and cleaning.
The company contacted the health department last week to ensure they were doing everything they should be to protect its staff, Anton said. Health officials visited the plant Wednesday and confirmed JBS implemented the department's recommendations and is "following all of the best practices for an essential business to remain in operation," Anton said.
Tyson Fresh Meats President Steve Stouffer said its Waterloo closure was driven by "the combination of worker absenteeism, COVID-19 cases and community concerns." He warned of "significant ramifications" for farmers, distributors and grocers in the supply chain.
Muslims could not care less about this closure..
4UWell I would be happy if all factory farms & meat processors & slaughterhouses closed - for good.