The Covid-19 round-up

The news and data you need to know about the coronavirus outbreak's impact on the food industry

News and numbers

JBS shuts US plant

Brazil-based meat giant JBS, the world's largest processor of beef, announces the closure of a beef production facility in Colorado amid reported multiple cases of Covid-19 at the plant.

State health officials have said at least 40 people employed at the facility have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Two workers are reported to have died.

Campbell confirms six Covid-19 cases at plant

Campbell Soup Co. confirms that six employees at the US food heavyweight's Denver, Pennsylvania, bakery plant test positive for Covid-19 and are in quarantine.

GMB calls for food factory safety summit

UK trade union GMB, which represents food production workers, urges the UK government to convene a Covid-19 food factory safety summit amid concerns about a lack of social distancing within facilities.

NFU holds dairy "crisis" meeting with government

The UK's National Farmers Union President Minette Batters and National Dairy Board chairman Michael Oakes meet with over 30 MPs.

USDA set to aid the US food supply chain

The US Department of Agriculture plans to take action to maintain the country's food supply chain, which is threatened by the Covid-19 pandemic.

EU trade chief urges for more diverse supply chains

The EU and its companies need to diversify their supply chains to reduce their reliance on individual countries, says EU trade chief.

Production challenges for Nestlé

Nestlé CEO admits the world's largest food maker has been unable to hit its usual production levels during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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