In America, the virus threatens a meat industry that is too concentrated

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Big meat producers in America warned that supply bottlenecks would cause shortages

biggest concern about America’s food-supply chain? The White House worries that shoppers, even before summer, may find supermarket shelves empty of steaks, burgers, sausages or chicken. Donald Trump invoked emergency powers under the Defence Production Act, declaring that closure of meatpacking plants threatens “critical infrastructure”, on April 28th. Supposedly that will oblige them to stay open, after more than 20 had closed because of coronavirus outbreaks affecting thousands of workers.

Just how the president’s order will keep slaughterhouses open is not clear, but one aim is to give legal cover for firms that do operate. As more workers fall sick, and some die, the presidential order could help limit their liability. Temple Grandin, who has designed and audited slaughterhouses in Colorado, says much depends on isolating the unwell and most vulnerable. She suggests staggering shifts and setting up separate places to eat, as well as slowing lines. This could all mean that plants’ efficiency falls, perhaps by 50%, Ms Grandin says, so “the cost of meat is gonna go up as the supply chain tightens,” even if places stay open.

 

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The local butcher will appreciate the surge in demand.

Just the image is gross. And if there is shortage, then great. Maybe this is an opportunity for meateaters to explore a plant based diet. Reducing the consumption of animal products is beneficial to everyone and everything on this planet.

Wtf is going on with the massive cull in cattle, chicken farms and the likes? Hell there's farmers being to told to burn their crops to the ground as well..Are the US government trying to kill the people off with starvation as well?

Its about to pop off ... If you don't like my lyrics its because you got it backwards and I am here for you. Are you done playing around so we can finish this. 'Pass this on its 2020.....'

Yes, we need to buy more of our meat from China. They love us and will supply us no matter what.

Sherman anti trust has to be revised.

In America, 🇺🇸 The Poor are forced to work in unsafe conditions so that the Rich can eat cheeseburgers. 🍔

Since the meat producers have all created their own verticals, this is largely a problem of their own making.

Good. Give the cows and chickens a break.

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Powerful Meat Industry Holds More Sway After Trump's OrderEver since slaughterhouses became coronavirus hot spots, the meat industry has been asking the Trump administration for help.Hundreds of employees have been getting sick or not showing up for work for fear of contracting the virus. Labor unions, which had been largely quiet in their dealings with many Not without workers they won't.
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