Meat processing plants in the US are taking a big hit

Closures, even for a short period of time, will lead to mass wastage and cost players a substantial amount. Credit: industryviews / Shutterstock.

Recently, the US President, Donald Trump, signed an executive order requiring meat and poultry plants to maintain operations. This comes off the back of recent closures of processing plants across the country due to the spread of Covid-19 infections amid employees on the facilities. Experts have warned that mass closures will disrupt supply and lead to price rises in raw meats and associated products.

The current crisis that meat processors are facing underpins the global struggle that Covid-19 has created: how to protect and safeguard the public health without sacrificing economic stability? Closures, even for a short period of time, will lead to mass wastage and cost players a substantial amount; as reported by the Associate Press, the 15 largest pork-packing plants account for 60% of all pork processed in the country. This is significant, as almost a third (33%) of US consumers admitted to buying significantly more or stockpiling meat products*. Meat is a focal part of US culinary culture, and although dietary trends are changing, with flexitarian diets on the rise, the dominance of meat is not set to change any time soon. As a result, high demand and short supply will lead to price hikes in the near future.

However, major players also have a responsibility to safeguard their employee’s welfare. It has been reported that whilst the installation of plastic guards and face masks may help limit the spread of the disease, the close quarters in which most employees work makes it nearly impossible to guarantee their safety. As a result, companies have found it difficult to stop the spread of infection rates on their premises.

The challenges meat processing plants are now facing highlights the safety hazards and inefficiency of current operations. This, combined with increased consumer demand for traceability and accountability, will likely see the industry turn to automated operations that offer greater efficacy, transparency and employee safety.

Long-term ambitions aside, however, there remains the issue of supply issues in the now.

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