Now he is facing criticism from some lawmakers, consumers and plant employees for putting workers at risk in part to help ensure China’s meat supply. The supply shock drove China to pay more for US meat than other countries, and even US consumers, since late 2019. The company is now retooling its namesake pork plant in Smithfield, Virginia, to supply fresh pork, bacon and ham to more US consumers, according to a statement. The virus infected about 850 employees at another Smithfield pork plant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Year-to-date, about 31% of US pork has been exported, totalling about 838,000 tonnes, according to the US Meat Export Federation.

Source: bd News24 May 11, 2020 15:11 UTC