Trump issues executive order to ease food supply distribution

US President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Tuesday aimed at smoothing problems in food supply distribution after an outbreak of coronavirus at meat processing plants.

The order, issued under the Defence Production Act, will oblige meat processing plants to stay open as part of critical infrastructure.

“Under the delegation of authority provided in this order, the Secretary of Agriculture shall take all appropriate action under that section to ensure that meat and poultry processors continue operations consistent with the guidance for their operations,” the order reads.

The president said earlier he would remove the legal liability problems facing companies.

However, the announcement was met with immediate pushback from a key labour union which expressed concern for workers, who often operate in densely packed conditions.

“We cannot have a secure food supply without the safety of these workers,” United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) said in a statement, noting 20 members of the group have died from Covid-19 and 5,000 have fallen ill.

Union leader Marc Perrone called on the White House to “immediately enact clear and enforceable safety standards.” This would include daily testing for workers.

The latest problem appears to be centred around Tyson, a major US company, which has seen outbreaks at its plants.

Trump told reporters at the White House that the company was facing “unique” circumstances, but stressed any shortages are not because of a lack of food.

“There is plenty of supply – it’s distribution,” Trump said about the problem, saying the executive order would aim to solve liability issues.

There are other issues besides the outbreaks at Tyson plants. The breakdown of distribution networks, coupled with labour issues, have led to fresh produce rotting and dairy farmers dumping milk.

Animals are also being killed because producers cannot bring them to market.

John Tyson, the chairman of Tyson Foods, warned over the weekend his supply chains were breaking.

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The problems in distribution come as unemployment has ticked sharply upwards since March and people who once held jobs are forced into long queues for food at charity centres.

Aerial footage of cars backed up as people wait for their turn to get a basket of food handouts have gone viral. (dpa)