Multiple Meatpackers Will Reopen This Week

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue said meatpacking facilities across the U.S. will be reopening this week. He said the companies are opening up again “safely” and are a critical part of the nation’s infrastructure. These facilities have resumed or plan to resume operations this week following an Executive Order from President Trump directing the facilities to implement the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration guidelines specifically created for the meat and poultry sector response to COVID-19.

The USDA has been working around the clock with the CDC and state and local health officials to ensure a safe and stable supply of protein is available for American consumers while keeping packing company employees safe.

“America’s meatpacking facilities are reopening safely to ensure that America’s producers and ranchers will be able to bring their product to market,” Perdue said. “I want to thank the patriotic and heroic meatpacking facility workers who are returning to work this week so the millions of Americans who depend on them for food security can continue to do so.”

Plant locations in Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Illinois are slated to get back to work this week.

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