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    04 Aug AGRISTAR FACILITY FIRE QUESTIONS WITH RABBI MOSHE ELEFANT

    Posted at 13:12h in by
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    How significant is the fire at the AgriStar facility, and how will it affect the kosher community?
    As you may have heard, this past week the OU Kosher-certified AgriStar facility in Postville, Iowa suffered a devastating fire. The damaged plant is responsible for a significant portion of kosher beef and chicken shechted and sold in the United States. The loss is significant enough that we want to alert the tzibbur that they will likely feel the impact in the coming weeks, including reduced supermarket availability.

    What should kosher consumers expect over the next few weeks?

    There will likely be a temporary reduction in the availability of kosher beef and chicken at supermarkets and butcher stores. We are working actively with AgriStar and other OU Kosher-certified shechita plants to ramp up production and minimize the impact on our community. Our goal is to restore supply as quickly as possible.

    Is the OU taking any additional steps to protect the integrity of the kosher food supply during this period?
    Absolutely. Unfortunately, whenever supply is limited, it creates opportunities for unscrupulous individuals looking to profit at the expense of the ehrliche, kosher-observant public. We have therefore instructed all of our mashgichim to exercise extra zahirus during this time.

    What specific instructions have been given to OU mashgichim?
    They have been directed to verify that all incoming meat and poultry bear the proper kashrus identification and required seals, carefully inspect labels, packaging integrity, and hechsher markings before accepting deliveries, confirm that products are received only from approved suppliers and distributors, and immediately report any discrepancies or suspicious circumstances to their Rabbinic Coordinator before allowing any products to enter production or inventory.

    Is there a message you would like to leave with the kosher consumer?
    We ask the tzibbur to be patient as the industry adjusts to this unexpected setback. Consumers should continue purchasing meat and poultry only from reputable retailers and always make sure
    products bear a reliable hechsher. We are doing everything possible to ensure the kosher food supply remains secure and that any disruption is as short-lived as possible.