WASHINGTON, DC -- New analysis of independent data for the full month of November show that reported new COVID-19 infection rates amongst meat and poultry workers were more than 8 times lower than rates in the general population.

According to data from the Food and Environment Reporting Network (data), the meat and poultry sector was reported to have an average of 5.57 new cases per 100,000 workers per day in November. Infection rates amongst meat and poultry workers have declined steeply in the last six months, while surging across the United States.

WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, the nation's largest union for meatpacking workers and the association representing meat producers joined forces to urge all 50 U.S. governors to urgently prioritize COVID-19 vaccination for frontline meat and poultry workers across the United States, in accordance with official Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance.

WASHINGTON, DC -- New analysis of independent data for 2020 show that reported new COVID-19 infection rates amongst meat and poultry workers were five times lower in December than in May, while rates in the general population rocketed up by nine times in the same period.

WASHINGTON, DC - The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today released the following statement regarding the U.S. House of Representatives Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis' request for documents from meat and poultry companies:

WASHINGTON, DC -- New analysis of independent data show that reported new COVID-19 infection rates among meat and poultry workers are 60% lower than in the general U.S. population and two-thirds lower than case rates in the sector in May 2020.

WASHINGTON, DC -- The latest analysis of independent data reveals that COVID-19 infection rates among meat and poultry workers are more than five times lower than in the general U.S. population, 95% lower than peak case rates in the sector from May 2020.

WASHINGTON, DC - As some states begin to vaccinate essential meat and poultry workers, The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today called for the Biden Administration's help in ensuring all states prioritize these workers to receive the vaccine and its long-term protection from COVID-19.

Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts encouraged the White House to ensure all states prioritize vaccine access for the diverse meat and poultry workforce, which will also maximize health benefits in rural communities than can have limited health services.

WASHINGTON, DC -- Nearly one year after the first reported cases of COVID-19 among meat and poultry workers, comprehensive protections have brought case rates to just 2.67 cases per day per 100,000 workers - more than 85% lower than rates in the general population (18.25 cases per day per 100,000 people) and more than 98% lower than the May 2020 peak in the sector (98.39 cases per day per 100,000 workers).

CONTACT: NAMI: Sarah Little (443) 440-0029

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2021

CONTACT: NAMI: Sarah Little (443) 440-0029 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 3, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC - In Testimony submitted to the House Agriculture Committee, the North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today said the labor shortage continues to challenge the nation's food supply chain raising the cost of all food for consumers.