Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture released recommendations to help address shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), cloth face coverings, disinfectants, and sanitation supplies in the food and agriculture industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current constraints on these supplies are causing concerns about the potential for interruptions in the food supply chain. These supplies are critical for worker safety, the continuity of the food supply, food safety, and employee/consumer confidence.

The recommendations call for the prioritization of supplies, first to the Healthcare and Public Health as well as the Emergency Services sectors, and then to the Food and Agriculture sector (as well as other Critical Infrastructures). The recommendations provide information on potential sourcing of supplies, including through private sector suppliers and state emergency management agencies. The recommendations also include information that Food and Agriculture stakeholders should provide when ordering or requesting these supplies. 

For more information:

• Food and Agriculture: Considerations for Prioritization of PPE, Cloth Face Coverings, Disinfectants and Sanitation Supplies During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)