Robb MacKie, president and CEO of ABA said it is unnecessary for Americans to hoard pantry essentials as safe food is still in abundant supply across the country. As such, he advises people to stock up with a week of food supplies at a time versus a month, in to avoid panic buying and empty supermarket shelves.
“Despite the surge and because of the strength of the United States’ food system, the supply chain remains solid and transportation is moving food to consumers as quickly and safely as possible,” said MacKie.
He also noted the US food supply remains among the safest in the world.
“Existing regulations, such as the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Federal Meat and Poultry Act, guide food companies and food and agriculture infrastructure, which are critical during regular ‘ordinary business’ and during times of uncertainty.”
However, he said many food companies have increased the benchmarks of sanitation and upped ordinary food safety testing beyond what is required by law or any regulatory guideline in an abundance of caution.
The association has joined more than 60 food and beverage groups to work with all levels of the US government to ensure the country’s food supply remains steady and safe.
#FeedingUs by #BakingStrong
The real unsung heroes who deserve to be celebrated are the approximately 45.5 million people working throughout the food and beverage industry, said MacKie.
“They are working tireless and safely, today and always, to feed the country and the world. We cannot thank them enough.”
Together with the Food and Beverage Issue Alliance (FBIA), the ABA is urging all groups and companies in the industry to honour all of those who are #FeedingUs by sharing the hashtag. Additionally, the association wants to place special emphasis on those working in the baking industry.
According to the ABA, the American baking industry generates more than $153bn in economic activity annually and employs more than 799,500 highly skilled people.
The ABA invites all to share the hashtag #BakingStrong.
Health experts around the world note there is currently no evidence of transmission of COVID-19 via food.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA), the novel virus is not a foodborne illnesses and there is no evidence it is transmitted through food packaging.
However, in line with food safety precautions from the World Health Organization, consumers are advised to really take note of good hygiene practices during food handling and preparation. The Food Safe Families campaign – a cooperative initiative of the USDA, FDA, CDC, and the Ad Council – urges Americans follow four key steps: clean, separate, cook and chill.