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A Wendy’s With No Burgers as Meat Production Is Hit A Wendy’s With No Burgers as Meat Production Is Hit
(10 days later)
Hundreds of Wendy’s restaurants have run out of hamburgers. Kroger, the largest supermarket chain in the United States, is limiting the amount of ground beef and pork that customers can buy at some stores. And Costco, where shoppers typically buy in bulk, has placed a three-product cap on purchases of fresh beef, poultry and pork.Hundreds of Wendy’s restaurants have run out of hamburgers. Kroger, the largest supermarket chain in the United States, is limiting the amount of ground beef and pork that customers can buy at some stores. And Costco, where shoppers typically buy in bulk, has placed a three-product cap on purchases of fresh beef, poultry and pork.
Over the last month, dozens of meatpacking plants across the country have shut down because of coronavirus outbreaks, raising concerns about the country’s meat supply. Now, the impact of those disruptions is reaching customers at fast-food drive-throughs as well as grocery stores like Wegmans and Hy-Vee, where certain meat products are becoming harder to find.Over the last month, dozens of meatpacking plants across the country have shut down because of coronavirus outbreaks, raising concerns about the country’s meat supply. Now, the impact of those disruptions is reaching customers at fast-food drive-throughs as well as grocery stores like Wegmans and Hy-Vee, where certain meat products are becoming harder to find.
On Monday, nearly one-fifth of Wendy’s restaurants — a total of 1,043 locations — were completely sold out of beef products, including burgers, according to analysis by the financial firm Stephens, which examined the online menu at every Wendy’s in the United States.On Monday, nearly one-fifth of Wendy’s restaurants — a total of 1,043 locations — were completely sold out of beef products, including burgers, according to analysis by the financial firm Stephens, which examined the online menu at every Wendy’s in the United States.
On social media, customers posted photographs of “sold out” signs at Wendy’s drive-throughs and noted the irony of a hamburger shortage at a chain that popularized the slogan “where’s the beef?”On social media, customers posted photographs of “sold out” signs at Wendy’s drive-throughs and noted the irony of a hamburger shortage at a chain that popularized the slogan “where’s the beef?”
“It is widely known that beef suppliers across North America are currently facing production challenges,” a Wendy’s spokesman said in a statement on Tuesday. “Some of our menu items may be temporarily limited at some restaurants in this current environment.”“It is widely known that beef suppliers across North America are currently facing production challenges,” a Wendy’s spokesman said in a statement on Tuesday. “Some of our menu items may be temporarily limited at some restaurants in this current environment.”
The problems at Wendy’s are most likely only the beginning of fresh beef shortages that may reach their peak around Memorial Day, when many Americans will be firing up grills. (Analysts say there is no shortage of frozen beef in cold storage.)The problems at Wendy’s are most likely only the beginning of fresh beef shortages that may reach their peak around Memorial Day, when many Americans will be firing up grills. (Analysts say there is no shortage of frozen beef in cold storage.)
Last week was the fourth week in a row that the number of cattle slaughtered fell below 500,000, down more than 35 percent from average beef production, according to Cassandra Fish, a meat industry analyst.Last week was the fourth week in a row that the number of cattle slaughtered fell below 500,000, down more than 35 percent from average beef production, according to Cassandra Fish, a meat industry analyst.
And while many grocery chains have not publicly acknowledged they are running low on meat, Ms. Fish said retailers were starting to experience stock shortages caused by the constrained supply, not simply because of hoarding by consumers.And while many grocery chains have not publicly acknowledged they are running low on meat, Ms. Fish said retailers were starting to experience stock shortages caused by the constrained supply, not simply because of hoarding by consumers.
“It is shocking,” Ms. Fish said. “There is not one person in the meat industry who was not caught off guard.”“It is shocking,” Ms. Fish said. “There is not one person in the meat industry who was not caught off guard.”
Over the last few days, a series of grocery stores have announced limits on meat purchases. In addition to Costco and Kroger, Hy-Vee said on Tuesday that it would restrict customers to four packages of fresh beef, ground beef, pork and chicken.Over the last few days, a series of grocery stores have announced limits on meat purchases. In addition to Costco and Kroger, Hy-Vee said on Tuesday that it would restrict customers to four packages of fresh beef, ground beef, pork and chicken.
Stores are also anticipating that certain products may become more difficult to find. A Wegmans spokeswoman, Laura Camera, said on Tuesday that the chain “may not have every product cut or variety available for the next few weeks.”Stores are also anticipating that certain products may become more difficult to find. A Wegmans spokeswoman, Laura Camera, said on Tuesday that the chain “may not have every product cut or variety available for the next few weeks.”
The impact on the fast-food industry has been more uneven. McDonald’s said on Tuesday that it had not experienced any beef shortages. But Shake Shack executives warned this week that the price of beef had “significantly increased.”The impact on the fast-food industry has been more uneven. McDonald’s said on Tuesday that it had not experienced any beef shortages. But Shake Shack executives warned this week that the price of beef had “significantly increased.”
“We do not, today, expect a supply issue,” the company’s chief executive, Randy Garutti, said during an earnings call on Monday. “However, costs have really jumped.”“We do not, today, expect a supply issue,” the company’s chief executive, Randy Garutti, said during an earnings call on Monday. “However, costs have really jumped.”
Wendy’s reliance on fresh beef — a major selling point for the brand — may make it more vulnerable to shortages than some rivals, which use frozen hamburger meat.Wendy’s reliance on fresh beef — a major selling point for the brand — may make it more vulnerable to shortages than some rivals, which use frozen hamburger meat.
“It impacts them more quickly, as opposed to some restaurants that have a little bit more frozen options on the menu,” said James Rutherford, an analyst at Stephens who wrote the report on Wendy’s.“It impacts them more quickly, as opposed to some restaurants that have a little bit more frozen options on the menu,” said James Rutherford, an analyst at Stephens who wrote the report on Wendy’s.
The report also found geographic differences in how significantly Wendy’s was affected by the shortages. In some states, including New York, Connecticut, Ohio and Michigan, 30 percent or more of the chain’s restaurants were out of beef, whereas other states like Nevada and Arizona did not have any shortages.The report also found geographic differences in how significantly Wendy’s was affected by the shortages. In some states, including New York, Connecticut, Ohio and Michigan, 30 percent or more of the chain’s restaurants were out of beef, whereas other states like Nevada and Arizona did not have any shortages.
Food industry executives have warned of looming supply issues since April, when outbreaks at some of the country’s largest meatpacking plants brought production to a halt.Food industry executives have warned of looming supply issues since April, when outbreaks at some of the country’s largest meatpacking plants brought production to a halt.
Updated July 7, 2020
The coronavirus can stay aloft for hours in tiny droplets in stagnant air, infecting people as they inhale, mounting scientific evidence suggests. This risk is highest in crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation, and may help explain super-spreading events reported in meatpacking plants, churches and restaurants. It’s unclear how often the virus is spread via these tiny droplets, or aerosols, compared with larger droplets that are expelled when a sick person coughs or sneezes, or transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, said Linsey Marr, an aerosol expert at Virginia Tech. Aerosols are released even when a person without symptoms exhales, talks or sings, according to Dr. Marr and more than 200 other experts, who have outlined the evidence in an open letter to the World Health Organization.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
After a Smithfield pork plant closed in Sioux Falls, S.D., the company’s chief executive, Kenneth M. Sullivan, said the country was “perilously close to the edge in terms of our meat supply.” Last week, the chairman of Tyson Foods took out full-page ads in The New York Times and The Washington Post warning that “the supply chain is breaking.”After a Smithfield pork plant closed in Sioux Falls, S.D., the company’s chief executive, Kenneth M. Sullivan, said the country was “perilously close to the edge in terms of our meat supply.” Last week, the chairman of Tyson Foods took out full-page ads in The New York Times and The Washington Post warning that “the supply chain is breaking.”
It can take about three weeks from the time cattle are slaughtered for the meat to be sold in the grocery store. And cattle producers are hopeful that as plants begin to reopen, the number of animals being harvested will begin to return to more normal levels in the next week or so.It can take about three weeks from the time cattle are slaughtered for the meat to be sold in the grocery store. And cattle producers are hopeful that as plants begin to reopen, the number of animals being harvested will begin to return to more normal levels in the next week or so.
But in a call with investors on Monday, Tyson executives said that more meatpacking plants were likely to shut down for cleaning as the virus continues to spread. The union that represents plant workers estimates that pork production has fallen by as much as 25 percent, with beef down 10 percent.But in a call with investors on Monday, Tyson executives said that more meatpacking plants were likely to shut down for cleaning as the virus continues to spread. The union that represents plant workers estimates that pork production has fallen by as much as 25 percent, with beef down 10 percent.
“There is a lot of volatility” in the meatpacking plants, said Ms. Fish, the meat analyst. “They think they are getting things under control and then there are more issues.”“There is a lot of volatility” in the meatpacking plants, said Ms. Fish, the meat analyst. “They think they are getting things under control and then there are more issues.”
Still, grocery executives say the shortages are only temporary and that most meat remains available, even if certain products have become more scarce. And some major meatpacking facilities have reopened, including the Smithfield pork plant in Sioux Falls.Still, grocery executives say the shortages are only temporary and that most meat remains available, even if certain products have become more scarce. And some major meatpacking facilities have reopened, including the Smithfield pork plant in Sioux Falls.
When he arrived at a Wendy’s outside Minneapolis on Monday, Taylor Boyte, 30, noticed that several items on the menu were crossed out in marker. Then he ordered a burger.When he arrived at a Wendy’s outside Minneapolis on Monday, Taylor Boyte, 30, noticed that several items on the menu were crossed out in marker. Then he ordered a burger.
“They were out of beef,” Mr. Boyte said. “I just kind of chuckled. Being in the middle of the pandemic, it’s pretty understandable. People aren’t prepared for what’s going on.”“They were out of beef,” Mr. Boyte said. “I just kind of chuckled. Being in the middle of the pandemic, it’s pretty understandable. People aren’t prepared for what’s going on.”
But there was other food to eat. Mr. Boyte got lunch at Taco Bell instead.But there was other food to eat. Mr. Boyte got lunch at Taco Bell instead.