Michigan consumers buy meat amid shortage fears

Customers shopped for meat at a pair of Michigan businesses Wednesday, a day after President Donald Trump classified meat processing as critical infrastructure during the coronavirus outbreak.

The president on Tuesday ordered meat processing plants to stay open amid concerns over the impact of COVID-19 on the nation's food supply.

Dozens lined up to get inside Ronnie's Meats, but Ronnie Bedway, the namesake and grandson of the shop's founder, said that is typical for the Detroit business. Bedway said his customers don't seem to be particularly concerned.

"I get questions about it (the meat supply) from time to time. But I think that's more a one-off," he said.

Trump's executive order uses the Defense Production Act to try to prevent a shortage of chicken, pork and other meat on supermarket shelves.

"We're playing it day by day. I've got my guy a half-a-mile away. I haven't had an issue yet. Is there potential? Sure. But maybe the Defense Production Act addresses that," Bedway said.

Customer D.J. Jumper hopes Ronnie's keeps its supply at current levels. He's a regular who travels from suburban Southfield because "they've got a lot of meat to choose from."

At Westborn Market in Berkley, Michigan, north of Detroit, Carol Eseman also had few concerns.

"Westborn is right around the corner. They've been fantastic. They always have meat. So, I don't know where they're getting their supply from, but it's all good," said Eseman, who bought some meat to put in the spaghetti dish she planned to prepare for Wednesday night dinner.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.