This Massive Outbreak is Threatening the Supply of Even More Grocery Products — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

The coronavirus pandemic has caused a massive outbreak that is threatening the supply of even more grocery products. With the demand for food and other essential items skyrocketing, grocery stores are struggling to keep up with the demand. This has led to shortages of certain items, including meat, dairy, and produce. To help you make the most of the limited supply of groceries, we’ve put together a list of “Eat This Not That” tips. These tips will help you make the most of the limited supply of groceries and ensure that you’re getting the most nutrition out of the food you’re eating.

This Massive Outbreak is Threatening the Supply of Even More Grocery Products

The coronavirus pandemic has caused a massive disruption in the global food supply chain, leading to shortages of certain grocery products. Now, a new outbreak is threatening the supply of even more grocery products.

The outbreak is occurring in the United States, where a new strain of the coronavirus has been identified. This strain is more contagious than the original strain, and it is spreading rapidly. As a result, many states have implemented new restrictions on businesses and gatherings, which has led to a decrease in the production of certain grocery products.

The shortage of grocery products is particularly acute in the United States, where the demand for food has increased significantly due to the pandemic. This has led to a shortage of certain items, such as eggs, milk, and meat. In addition, the supply of certain fruits and vegetables has also been affected.

The shortage of grocery products is not only affecting the United States, but it is also having an impact on other countries. For example, in the United Kingdom, the demand for certain products has increased significantly, leading to shortages of certain items. In addition, the supply of certain fruits and vegetables has also been affected.

The shortage of grocery products is a serious problem, and it is likely to get worse in the coming weeks and months. In order to prevent further disruption to the food supply chain, it is important to take steps to reduce the spread of the virus. This includes practicing social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing your hands regularly.

In addition, it is also important to be mindful of what you eat. Eating a balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health, and it is important to choose foods that are nutritious and low in sugar and fat. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is also important, as they provide essential vitamins and minerals.

The outbreak of the coronavirus is a serious threat to the global food supply chain, and it is important to take steps to reduce the spread of the virus. Eating a balanced diet and choosing nutritious foods is one way to help protect yourself and your family from the virus.

The recent bird flu epidemic is quickly becoming one of the worst in history, having affected 37.55 million turkeys and chickens across the U.S., according to the USDA. The crisis has particularly hurt egg-laying hens, who have been put down in mass culls. While the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has not affected any grocery shoppers, the damage has been reflected in grocery store frozen chicken products and is now making way for the dairy section, too.

According to the USDA Egg Markets Overview which was published May 6, the wholesale price for large, white, shell eggs recently increased almost a quarter from $2.38 to $2.56 per dozen in the Midwest. As the outbreak rages on, egg supply may get shorter and shorter on the consumer level before affecting larger companies, who’ve mostly said the impacts have been negligible so far.

But it’s not just eggs that have seen a tremendous price hike, however. Whole turkeys have also reached an all-time high of $1.47 a pound according to Bloomberg.

chickens packed in farms
Shutterstock

The state of Iowa has been most heavily affected by the outbreak, reporting 14 affected commercial flocks and over 13 million birds as of May 4. Currently, 33 others have been confirmed with at least one infected flock, causing some countries to ban U.S. imports of avian products.

This outbreak has not quite reached the levels of disaster that the epidemic did in 2015, when it destroyed 50 million birds. However, it took over a year for the egg industry to be able to recover. According to Bloomberg, this time around, the effects could last even longer as farmers could decide to make a transition to cage-free production.

Related: These Are Costco’s Most Popular Items Right Now

Vital Farms, a company that sources pasture-raised eggs, released a statement concerning the outbreak saying it was following the virus carefully and keeping the hens indoors as the spread from farm to farm has likely happened “by wild migratory fowl.”

“At this time, our veterinary partners and state health officials have strongly recommended that we keep our hens indoors, and we are following this guidance,” the company said. “We’ve also implemented heightened biosecurity measures across our network of 275 farms.”

While the CDC says avian flu viruses usually do not infect people, in rare cases someone can get sick through direct contact with infected poultry, or through contact with surfaces that have been contaminated with the viruses—both of which are very unlikely for those handling poultry products from the grocery store. So far, only one person has been confirmed as having contracted the virus from the current outbreak. The case was reported in Colorado and was involved in the culling of poultry with presumptive H5N1 bird flu.

It’s not just eggs and poultry, unfortunately. Shoppers say they are seeing Shortages of These 2 Grocery Staples Right Now.

 

Amber Lake

Amber Lake is a staff writer at Eat This, Not That! and has a degree in journalism from UNF in Jacksonville, Florida. Read more