“We may never return to normal” is a phrase noted in newspaper articles, echoed by TV anchors and professed by self-proclaimed experts in the era of COVID-19. Certainly, the food and agriculture industries have not been spared the social and economic impacts of this pandemic.
But this crisis does give one pause to consider areas of processes that otherwise may not have been prioritized. Much of the focus within our industry has been on the physical design of facilities and equipment. Results of this continual effort have increased production efficiencies, improved workers’ health and safety and ensured the food safety and the integrity of consumer products. In our effort to deliver wholesome, healthy, and cost-effective products to consumers, some areas have drawn less attention. Increased focus will need to be placed on the efficiencies of locker rooms, break rooms and proper utilization of PPE.