To help America’s food manufacturers and suppliers operate during this national emergency, ABA’s president and chief executive, Katherine Lugar, sent a letter to the Trump Administration advocating for common-sense actions to help our industry operate and deliver products during this challenging time, including:

• ·       Exempting employees involved in the manufacture, distribution, delivery and stocking of food and beverage items from federal, state or local restrictions to ensure continuous delivery of essential services.

• ·       Putting forth an executive action to lift truck weight limits, historically governed by state law, to facilitate meeting the critical need of delivering essential goods in response to COVID-19.

• ·       Clarifying ambiguity surrounding the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) hours of service guidance.  Specifically, requesting the FMCSA clarify in writing that the restocking of grocery store shelves by delivery drivers is included in what constitutes direct assistance for supporting emergency relief efforts. 

We also joined 60 industry groups urging for a national public framework that exempts food, beverage and consumer packaged good manufacturers from bans and curfews so that we may continue to deliver the essential products Americans need now more than ever. 

Our priority is to ensure our consumers, customers and employees are safe and we are following the guidance of federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

As for packaged food products being sold in stores, including beverages, according to the CDC and FDA, there is currently no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19.

The FDA reminds all Americans to follow good hygiene practices when handling and preparing foods. We will continue to monitor the latest developments and guidance on the coronavirus from federal, state and local health authorities and follow recommended protocols.