Andy Hanacek implores the industry to make sure it's fighting the meat and poultry plant mask mandate for the right reasons, lest consumers and an already short labor pool take the strategy the wrong way in the world of public perception.

In 2020, there were 99 humane handling enforcement actions posted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service website.

Making it quicker and simpler for consumers to purchase supermarket deli meat and poultry can generate attractive returns.

Bacon remains popular as a versatile but familiar comfort food.