Andy Hanacek, editor-in-chief of The National Provisioner, talks to Ben Deda, CEO of FoodMaven, about how the company is altering its processing plant’s work schedule and taking on other initiatives to keep its business and partners moving during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here is a sample company policy you should put in place immediately and communicate with employees:

Operating band saws, knives and slicing and dicing equipment requires a sharp focus if meat- and poultry-processing workers are to be safe and productive.

Owners and managers of small meat plants have a significant impact on the success of the business with which they are involved. During good times, they can help their company grow and prosper and achieve long term success. 

Before the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, consumers were buying a wide variety of meat cuts, from pre-portioned to bulk. The next few months may either see skewed consumer purchasing decisions or reinforce tried-and-true options.

Several companies recently started using natural antioxidants and limiting the use of synthetic versions, such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).

Processors continue to increase the use of natural antimicrobial ingredients as they move toward cleaner labels. Identifying these natural compounds or groups of compounds that function singularly or together to be effective as antimicrobial systems in their products remains a top development area for them, says Jeff Sindelar, extension meat specialist and associate professor in Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Andy Hanacek sits down with Brock Furlong, president & CEO of Stampede Meat, to discuss the company’s “Chef Inside Cares” program, designed to give consumers the opportunity to purchase and pick up meat and poultry products directly from the company’s Bridgeview, Ill., facility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For most companies, diversification of product mix can be a life-saver when traditional products fall temporarily out of favor. However, adding lines and operational capabilities to fill gaps in a portfolio isn’t something that can be planned and executed overnight.