Costco limits US meat sales over COVID-caused shortages

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US wholesaler Costco became the latest retailer to limit meat purchases at its stores over shortages caused by COVID-19-related slowdowns and shutdowns at processing plants nationwide.

Costco is limiting its members to three items of beef, pork and poultry "to help ensure more members are able to purchase merchandise they want and need."

"Our buyers and suppliers are working hard to provide essential, high demand merchandise as well as everyday favorites," the company said in a notice on its website.

An internal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report leaked earlier to the press indicated coronavirus infections have been reported in 115 meat and poultry production facilities across 23 states in the US.

At least 20 employees at the facilities have died from COVID-19 complications as companies grapple with implementing updated health safety measures at their worksites, the CDC said.