On March 18, 2020, we received a question regarding what impact the COVID-19 response has on slaughtering and/or processing facilities across the state. Meat and poultry slaughtering and/or processing facilities fall under the definition of businesses exempt from the executive order prohibiting mass gatherings, because they are considered in the category of “manufacturing, processing, distribution, and production facilities."
All federal and state slaughtering and processing facilities are proceeding as usual. These facilities always implement an exceedingly high standard of biosecurity practices, and that will continue during this time. In fully-inspected slaughtering and processing facilities, inspectors are present every day as a regular practice, following federal and state statutes. These businesses are critical in the continuity of the food supply chain, and will continue at full operational status, with a focus on the health and safety of their employees while they provide a safe food supply to the state and nation.