Major grocery chains rationing meat purchases to curb hoarding

‘Some processors are experiencing challenges’

Some of the biggest grocery stores in the US are rationing meat purchases, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Kroger, Giant Eagle and Costco are among the supermarket chains that are rationing purchases, after concerns were raised about meat production in the country.

Meat production plants have been badly affected by outbreaks of Covid-19, and last week president Donald Trump had to intervene to keep production facilities open.

He used the Defence Production Act to order production plants to stay open, by labelling them an essential service.

There are concerns across meat industries that capacity will be affected by the crisis, and in reaction, major supermarkets have announced that they will be rationing purchases.

The country’s largest grocery store company, Kroger, who own Harris Teeter and Ralphs, among other supermarkets, announced last Friday that they were to begin rationing.

They did not clarify how many stores would be affected by the problem, and a spokesperson told CBS News that the measure was taken as some suppliers were struggling.

“At Kroger, we feel good about our ability to maintain a broad assortment of meat and seafood for our customers because we purchase protein from a diverse network of suppliers,” the statement read.

“There is plenty of protein in the supply chain; however, some processors are experiencing challenges,” the company added.

The outlet also reported that Costco and Giant Eagle are rationing meat purchases, to make sure that customers do not hoard food, and to allow every household to get what it needs.

Giant Eagle have limited some items, such as ground beef, to two per person and Costco have put limits on various items.

“Costco has implemented limits on certain items to help ensure more members are able to purchase merchandise they want and need,” their website reads.

“Our buyers and suppliers are working hard to provide essential, high demand merchandise as well as everyday favourites.”

On 1 May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report, that highlighted how badly affected meat production facilities have been by the pandemic.

“Covid-19 cases among U.S. workers in 115 meat and poultry processing facilities were reported by 19 states. Among approximately 130,000 workers at these facilities, 4,913 cases and 20 deaths occurred,” the report read.

“Factors potentially affecting risk for infection include difficulties with workplace physical distancing and hygiene and crowded living and transportation conditions.”

According to a tracking project hosted by Johns Hopkins University, there are now upwards of one million people who have tested positive for coronavirus in the US. The death toll has reached at least 68,406.