Food processing companies are considered essential businesses by most state governments and are currently permitted to stay open and continue to operate. But how are they dealing with COVID-19?

Companies now need to comply with more stringent requirements and change their existing operating policies for food safety and personnel safety measures.

New operating strategies being adopted by most food companies include temperature screenings for employees and vendors and observed handwashing at the door. Some companies are asking employees to certify that they have not been exposed to someone with COVID-19 before entering the facility.

In addition, enforcing the recommended six-foot social distance between workers may be a challenge for food processors. Companies should make every effort to identify and implement operational changes that increase employee separation. Placing tape on the ground may be one way to limit person-to-person contact.

Please refer to other methods and recommendations for COVID-19 safety precautions that are listed in a recent Food Business News article.

If you have any questions, please reach out to GHJ’s COVID-19 Response Team to assist with PPP loans or any other aspect of the CARES Act or COVID-19-related questions.