Australia expects disruption in domestic meat market
New safety measures have been imposed in Victoria (Australia) by the local government to reduce the transmission of coronavirus. The meat supply chain will remain open, which includes meat processing, smallgoods manufacturing, wholesaling and cold logistics, with operating restrictions, announced the Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews. Also, independent butchers will remain open as 45% of them are supplying essential services, including nursing homes, hospitals and hotels.
However, the personnel scheme in the meat processing plants must be reduced by 33% and security measures for the remaining workers, such as the utilisation of PPE, temperature testing and other COVID-safe work interventions, must be put in place.
The measures that are to become effective from at midnight on Friday 7 August may reduce the meat supplies in the region, according to a statement from the Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC). "AMIC has been lobbying tirelessly on our member’s behalf to ensure that we remain as an essential service in the supply of food. The impact of these restrictions in Victoria, AMIC believes will lead to a 30% reduction in supply chain throughput overall, based on discussions with our membership. It is our opinion that this will lead to a reduction in saleable meat in the Victorian community," warns AMIC CEO Patrick Hutchinson.
AMIC would like to reiterate that, according to the World Health Organisation, other international health and food safety authorities, as well as both Australian and New Zealand Governments, there is no evidence that you can become infected with COVID-19 through food or food packaging.
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