Considerations for Prioritization of PPE, Cloth Face Coverings, Disinfectants, and Sanitation Supplies During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused shortages in PPE, cloth face coverings, disinfectants, and sanitation supplies. Some food production stakeholders face challenges procuring adequate materials due to increased demand across all economic sectors and the disruption of traditional supply chains. These challenges may, in turn, cause interruptions in the food supply chain. Disruptions to the supply of food and agricultural commodities or the inputs needed to produce them, however minor, can cause significant ripple effects through all nodes in the supply chain, from growers and suppliers through processors and distributors to retailers. Accordingly, the FDA and USDA has developed the following recommendations, taking into account input from the Food and Agriculture Sector Coordinating Council.