Almost 200 field employees in the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service have tested positive for coronavirus, according to a USDA spokesperson, reports Food Dive. In addition, 120 FSIS employees are under self-quarantine due to contact with or exposure to the virus.
"FSIS has taken the unprecedented step of protecting its employees by allowing those inspectors in high-risk health categories to self-certify with their supervisor, which excuses them from inspection duties until the risk from COVID-19 decreases or is mitigated," the spokesperson told Food Dive. "Additionally, FSIS now has enough masks and face coverings on hand to keep our inspection personnel supplied for the next few months. Despite these numbers our dedicated personnel are still meeting all of their inspection responsibilities so that consumers can continue to enjoy a safe supply of meat and poultry products." Full Story
Related: UFCW: COVID-19 Directly Impacts Over 5,000 Workers; Stop & Shop Calls for 'Emergency Personnel' Designation.
from Specialty Food News https://ift.tt/2YYEwK7
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