Casey Laughman

The continuing COVID-19 pandemic is testing the resources and emergency plans of food and beverage processors across the industry. In this Q&A, Phil Kafarakis, president of the Specialty Food Association, addresses some of the challenges being faced by processors and how they are responding.

As food and beverage processors deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, they face dual challenges when it comes to training: keeping the current workforce safe and training new employees they’re hiring to meet a sustained, nationwide surge in demand.

FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb, who has led the agency since 2017, has announced he will be resigning as of April 2019.

JBS has announced the recall of more than 6.5 million pounds of raw beef products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Newport.

Whole Foods Market has recalled 365 Everyday Value White Corn Tortilla Chips because the product may contain undeclared milk that was not listed on the product label.

Cargill Meat Solutions is recalling more than 132,000 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli.

Gravel Ridge Farms has recalled its Cage Free Large Eggs due to potential contamination with Salmonella. The recall was initiated due to reported illnesses confirmed at locations using the eggs.