18 Food Processing Plants Burned to the Ground?
While we are watching Elon Musk buying Twitter, and the trial of Johnny Depp, did you know that several Food Processing Plants Burned to the Ground? What is going on?
I was concerned seeing several people posting pictures and whatnot on social media about food processing plants burning, or otherwise destroyed. Well, I did some research to get to the bottom of it.
People were questioning on social media why the news reporters were not making a big deal about all these fires. Okay, let’s see what really is going on. Is it as BIG as people are making it out?
Food Processing Plants Burned to the Ground
These fires have been devastating for local communities, disrupting crucial food production, and leaving thousands of workers without jobs. While the cause of these fires is not yet known, many experts believe that it may be related to issues like poor maintenance and outdated equipment.
Regardless of the cause, these fires are a major concern for all of us who depend on the food processing industry for our livelihoods and to provide much of the food we eat every day. Here are some of the biggest fires that have occurred this year:
- In January 2021, a fire at a chicken processing plant in Georgia killed five workers and injured dozens more.
- In February 2021, a fire at a meatpacking plant in Nebraska killed one worker and left another with life-threatening injuries.
- In March 2021, a fire at a bacon processing plant in Iowa killed two workers and injured four others.
- In May 2021, a massive fire broke out at a food processing plant in Texas, destroying the facility and leaving over 1,000 workers without jobs.
- A few weeks later, another large food processing plant in California was completely destroyed by a fire, resulting in hundreds of layoffs.
- And just recently, two more food processing plants in Ohio and Pennsylvania were ravaged by fires, leaving thousands of workers unemployed.
Food Processing Plant Conspiracy
There is a lot of speculation as to whether or not these food processing plant fires are part of a larger conspiracy. Some believe that the fires are being started intentionally to sabotage the food supply chain and create chaos. Others believe that the fires are simply the result of negligence and poor safety standards.
Is The Conspiracy True?
Here is a good reference: FACT FOCUS: Food Plant Fires Fuel Conspiracy Theory by US News
I quote, “On Monday, the National Fire Protection Association pushed back on the rumors in a story in its magazine titled “Nothing to See Here.” “Susan McKelvey, an NFPA spokesperson, noted in an email that national data show the country averaged more than 5,000 fires annually at manufacturing and processing facilities, not just food plants, between 2015 and 2019. She estimated that there have “been approximately 20 fires in U.S. food processing facilities in the first 4 months of 2022, which is not extreme at all and does not signal anything out of the ordinary.”
Additionally, food processing plant fires are not uncommon. In fact, several dozen occur every single year, and there were over 2 dozen that happened back in 2019 (3 years ago)!
There could be many reasons for these fires, poor maintenance, poor training, fewer employees, and thus less supervision.
According to a 2019 report from the USDA, the U.S. has 36,000 food and beverage processing plants. Thus, even 18 fires would not cause significant disruption to the food supply.
And, many of the fires that have made various lists, such as the 18 food processing plants burned to the ground, have actually happened in 2021. This gives a false impression that more fires are happening in a shorter time.
What Fires Have Happened in 2022?
While many tweets going around mention 18 fires in 6-months, only 12 of them actually happened in that time frame, and one was in Canada.
Of the fires that did happen in 2022, they did little or no damage and have already been cleared as not suspicious. Here are just two examples:
- The Taylor Farms Fire was deemed to have started by a welding accident, and won’t put the company at risk.
- The Maine Potato Plant Fire was deemed to have started from a faulty deep fryer.
What is Causing the Food Shortages Then?
The main cause of the food shortages was the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus caused a decrease in production capacity, as well as an increase in demand as people were stocking up on food items since they were preparing more meals on their own at home.
Many food processing plants have had to close down due to workers getting sick or having to quarantine. This led to a decrease in production, and therefore, a shortage of food.
The increase in demand is due to people hoarding food and other household supplies during the pandemic. This has led to empty shelves in many stores across the country.
While the food processing plant fires are not the cause of the current food shortages, they are a major concern for the future of our food supply. These fires underscore the need for more stringent safety regulations at these critical facilities and highlight the need for adequate emergency planning to ensure that we are able to keep our food chain up and running during difficult times.
How Can We Prepare For More Food Shortages?
If you are concerned about future food shortages, there are some things that you can do to prepare:
Start a garden
This is a great way to have a constant supply of fresh fruits and vegetables. Even if you don’t have a lot of space, you can still grow a garden to provide some of the food you need. Check out my posts below to learn more about growing your own garden:
- Container Gardens: Everything You Need To Know
- Self Sufficient Garden: What to Grow
- Back to Eden Gardening Steps
- Gardening Techniques: Which One is Right for You?
Stock up on non-perishable items
When grocery shopping, always pick up an extra can or two of food. Check out my posts below to learn what you should be stocking up on:
- What to Stock Up On in May
- 30 Survival Foods to Stockpile
- Food Storage: What I Stock and Why
- Effective Ways to Prepare For Food Shortages
Support your local farmers
Buying food from local farmers helps to support the agriculture industry and can be a great way to get fresh, healthy food. Check out my post: Why You Should Support Your Local Farmer’s Market to learn more about it.
I heard today that one of my favorite fruit orchards in southern Utah was going out of business. They were leasing orchard land that is now being converted and developed into residential housing property. There goes agricultural land that provided delicious peaches to families like mine for over 20 years.
Be proactive
The best way to prepare for food shortages is to be proactive. Make sure that your emergency plan includes steps to keep your food supply inventory as complete as possible so you can respond during a crisis, and take advantage of resources like gardening and stockpiling that can help you weather difficult times.
Report Safety Concerns
If you see something wrong, say something. Report any food safety violations to the appropriate authorities to ensure that these issues are addressed and prevented in the future. You can contact the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service at 1-888-674-6854.
If food isn’t protected during the planting, growing, and harvesting seasons, it could go to waste before it can be processed and delivered to stores. That goes for the birds and animals, besides the plants.
Stay Informed
In order to be prepared for any future food shortages, it is essential to stay informed about events and government policies. This includes following news outlets and social media pages that focus on agriculture and food supply issues, as well as staying up-to-date with the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. By being informed, we can all work together to keep our food supply safe and secure.
Overall, while the fires of 2021 and 2022 have not caused significant damage to our food supply chain, we must be prepared for future outbreaks and shortages. By taking steps now to support our local farmers and food producers, we can help to ensure that our food supply is secure for years to come.
Final Word
Despite the impact of food processing plant fires, we can all take steps now to prepare for future shortages as we all try to learn how to be more self-sufficient. Whether it’s supporting local farmers, stockpiling non-perishable foods, or simply staying informed about the latest developments in our food supply chain, there are many ways to help ensure that we have a stable and secure food supply.
What do you think is causing the food processing plant fires? I’d like to hear from you. May God Bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Aftermath of Fire AdobeStock_244372635 by debramillet
Great article. Thank you for revealing truth about this topic.
Hi Ann, thank you for your kind words. I just want to know the truth or the percentages, I guess. Linda
It’s 20 from what I’ve seen but I’m not sure it’s not hypersensitivity because of the state of affairs in food insecurity.
No matter the belief of cause it doesn’t change the fact that it’s no longer operable.
Do as much as ya can with what ya got and right NOW.
We bought all the feed the other day to finish out our cattle because prices keep rising. Doing the same with hay.
I’m in here waiting on the pot to boil as I make more red bud jelly right now. I’m trying to make enough to barter if necessary.
Hi Matt, true, any fire is bad but there are other food processing plants that are operating. Am I concerned about our food supply, yes! I’m glad you were able to get the feed and hay for your cattle. Things are going to get worse. Linda
Matt.
You have the right context. While I find these things suspicious, they nevertheless contribute to the problem that we all must take steps to alleviate for ourselves. And, yes, as Linda said, these things have happened occasionally in the past, but they are increasing in frequency at a high rate. And, it is more than 20, as there have been several small to moderate sized plants damaged or destroyed here in Texas that did not make the MSM, imagine that.
Hi Harry, I hear you on that for sure. Linda
Yes sir
I try and go through multiple alternate sources during news daily.
It just seems so many things are happening it’s a struggle to keep up
Linda,
Thanks for putting this issue into perspective. 36,000 food processing plants? Wow.
I may be able to bring Jane home from the hospital today.
Hi Ray, thank you for your kind words, my friend. Oh, I’m so glad Jane can come home today!!!! Linda
Sorry but I have to disagree here Linda. Its not a conspiracy but a fact. Biden has said there would be a severe food shortage in the USA. We have the so called Avian flu which about 33 birds were put down when the USDA declared we did not have the flu here. Now comes the fires and Ukraine and Russia going at it. Biden blames the war for the food shortage but we already began shortages before the war. I’m not saying that the pandemic wasn’t a part of the blame for some of it but we must also remember about the truck convoys. All this in such a short time is very suspicious to me. Sorry if this is political but just expressing my thoughts.
Hi Judy, we can express our own views. Thank you, Linda
I agree. Something is up. Check out how many of those fires have to do with meats. Who wants to get rid of farmers and ranchers and push fake meat? I don’t think it’s coincidence IMO. Who wants to stop drilling, keep our pipeline closed and add more ethanol to “help” the American people? More ethanol means using up our corn crops, destroying our engines (pushing for electric cars), and driving up price’s. It’s a planned shortage. They want to take it all away so we have to rely on the govt. The govt doesn’t want to “help” they want to “control.” Sorry. Rant over.
Hi Emily, I thought similar thoughts until I looked deeper into the fires. Some are pretty common and short-lived fires and the companies are back up and running. Too many people love meat, some of us will never eat fake me. IMO. The pipeline closing was a bad decision. Hang on for the ride. Linda
Thanks for bringing us all back down to earth. You’re doing some real good. Peace, Be Still.
Hi Emily, thank you, my friend. Linda
Hey Emily – I hear you gal. Rant on girl. People need to wake up.
Thank you, Linda, for looking into this and finding out the truth behind the hype. So much gets blown out of proportion, and some people love to cry “doomsday.” I’m not blind to all these rising prices, but it’s good to know that the food production facility fires aren’t a new occurrence.
Hi Cindy, thank you for your kind words. I had to delete 5 MEAN comments on FaceBook. I just wanted to show people it’s bad but it’s not a new occurrence like you said. Fear brings out the anger, I guess. I want to know the facts. Thanks again, Linda
Folks often confuse politics with reasons why to prepare.
There are also professional trolls who try and stop others from preparing to keep us weak.
You keep your head up and do what you know is right.
Hi Matt, you are so right. This is why I stay off social media as much as I can. Linda
Bird flu killing millions of poultry, fires @ plants , Russia & Ukrain are the world’s largest fertilizer & grain producers how much do you think is being produced & grown to export ?? Covid , truckers can’t afford to drive loads or restrictions are so ridiculous some don’t bother , , farmers being paid not to farm , new restrictions on truckers , new restrictions on transporting fertilizer. China & Gates buying up farm land. BUT don’t worry folks pointing this all out makes me a conspiracy nut right ??? I don’t care the reason ALL these things are happening within the past 2 years or so I CARE that there REAL & happening jeez people
Hi Linda. I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but when I saw that you had used SNOPES as a source for info, I questioned what you found out since they are notorious to giving out false info for years. I will say, I’m concerned about all these fires, however, I’m far more concerned about the trucking industry and the cost of fuel for their rigs. If we lose the truckers, we lose the ability for stores to get stocked. Lets pray these desiel prices go down again so they can afford to drive again. May God watch over us and bless this country.
Hi Pam, you are not a Debbie Downer, we all have our own opinions. I’m concerned about the truckers as well. It’s all of it, Linda
I don’t think I’m prepared enough for this!
This is a partial list of food plants damaged just since July 2021:
July 30, 2021, Tyson River Valley Ingredients Plant, Hanceville, AL
August 23, 2021, Patak Meat Products, Austell, GA
November 15, 2021, Garrard County Food Pantry in Lancaster, KY
November 29, 2021, Maid-Rite Steak Co. Inc., Scott Township, PA
December 12, 2021, West Side food processing plant, San Antonio, TX
January 13, 2022, Cargill-Nutrena feed mill, Lecompte, LA
January 31, 2022, Fertilizer Plant, Winston Salem, NC
February 3, 2022, Percy Dairy Farm, Stowe, VT
February 16, 2022, Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), Claypool, IN
February 18, 2022, Bess View Farm, St. Albans, VT
February 19, 2022, Lincoln Premium Poultry, Fremont, NE
February 22, 2022, Shearer’s Foods, Hermiston, OR
February 28, 2022, Shadow Brook Farm and Dutch Girl Creamery; Lincoln, NE
February 28, 2022, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Sunnyside, WA
March 14, 2022, Wayne Hoover dairy farm; Longswamp Township, PA
March 16, 2022, Nestlé Jonesboro plant, Jonesboro, AK
March 16, 2022, Walmart Distribution Center, Plainfield, IN
March 24, 2022, Penobscot McCrum Potato Processing Facility, Belfast, Maine
March 28, 2022, Maricopa, AZ Food Pantry
March 31, 2022, Rio Fresh Inc., San Juan, TX
April 11, 2022, East Conway Beef & Pork, Conway, N.H.
April 13, 2022, Taylor Farms, Salinas, CA
April 13, 2022, Gem State Processing, Heyburn, ID
April 18, 2022, Azure Standard, Dufur, OR
April 21, 2022, General Mills Plant, Covington, GA
Hi Cindy, we are all aware of these plants, that’s why I wrote this article. Thank you, Linda
Perhaps some of these food processing plants contribute to long term storage companies? The Government at this time seems to be insisting on the dependance of governmental food programs, W.I.C, food stamps, and many food banks. Interrupting the production of food would give them more leverage. I really wonder what connection these companies have to suppling food products to survival food companies.
Hi Dang Duffy’s, I agree with you for sure. The government does indeed seem to want people dependent on them. I hope people read more about the fires, it is bad, but the percentages are not. Linda
Here is another to add to your list: Azure Standard (Dufur, Oregon) recently had a fire that burned down their headquarters and some processing/storage areas. That fire was determined to have started in a large tote of corn that was stored in an area near headquarters. Not unusual for grain to catch fire in an elevator or storage area.
Hi Cynthia, yes, I read about that one. They are still up and running, thank goodness. So many of us order from them and the orders are still going through. Possibly take a bit longer but people are getting their orders. Linda
Thanks for the sane article. It isn’t a conspiracy, but people should be planting gardens anyhow. The price of food is going up, and the less you have to buy the better. Food just tastes better when it is homegrown. I can’t wait until I have tomatoes that don’t taste a little like plastic.
Hi Jane, thank you for your kind words. Oh, that first tomato!! Yes, I totally agree we must have a garden if possible and if not scope out the Farmer’s Markets! Linda
Agree with all the posts. I know there are conspiracy theories, etc., but I’m like Matt and try to read what other news sources are saying. It’s hard to keep up with all the turmoil in the world. However, I still do what I can to prepare and that’s my focus. The sky can fall (and may) but I know I’ve done my best to take care of my family. Gardening and putting up food is key.
Hi Paula, that’s my focus as well, gardening, food storage, and water. We are doing the best we can! Linda
Good info. but I would add that the number of chickens and turkeys killed due to the bird flue is in the millions and not just the few listed, Also, in regards to the loss of the peach orchard that you used to frequent in southern Utah, we have a farmer’s market in our area that has been in business for almost 100 years without a problem . Now the county wants the water rights that they have had for all that time because the county can get more money from the houses that would be built instead. Farmland is getting scarce in our area . It raised such an outcry from those that use all the produce they sell, that the county stopped their demands. Also, more and more people in our area in the county and city are getting chickens for eggs and meat. Nice to see that the prices are getting some to get “with the program”.
Hi Cheryl, wow, great story about the Farmer’s Market in your area and the water rights. WOW! I love hearing people are getting chickens for eggs and meat. Love it! Linda
I thank you Linda for your valuable wisdom and research. You efforts helped me understand more of what is going on. Following our grown childrens advice, I don’t “do” Facebook, Twitter or Tiktok. I do Pinteret, but it is not very political. I am shifting my food storage in the direction of the local farmers markets and street festivals as they open, so I can support local vendors as much as possible. My freezer needs some revamping, allowing for less baked goods and more meat, chicken and veggies. I consider everything you and your readers post as learning tools, and for that, I am grateful. God Bless everyone and keep us safe.
Hi Chris, thank you for your kind words, I have always said, to be kind to one another. I love supporting the locals as well. I’m always amazed at what I see on social media. I was raised, “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” People say hurtful mean things hiding behind a computer on social media. It’s really sad. Linda
Food Hoarding? This content of all websites looks at it as preparation for the future. Been taught food storage all my life. Just the last years has it been called hoarding. Bought a little at a time each payday instead of going on vacations and buying new cars and furniture. Preparation for unemployment and unexpected health problems. Preparation for being retired and being on a strict budget. Planning to help our own family and neighbors. Not hoarding food as in taking food from others and leaving them none. Yes, the demolition of food plants is part of the plan, along with all the laws regarding planting and harvesting for the farmers. The USDA and FDA and etc. have made some strict food handling conditions making it difficult. If there seems to be a a major push for food control, there is. And presenting food preservation and preparedness as “hoarding” is part of their plan to disillusion people from planning for the future.
Hi Arlene, I have never hoarded food or anything else for that matter. I’ve been taught food storage all my life as well. Linda
Linda, as long as we rely on any “fact checker”- we will only know what those in control of food, and supplies want us to know. I have heard and saw a list that includes up in the 20’s of food connected facilities being damaged. There is so much information if one looks- and some of it is directly conflicting…most of it is disturbing unless one is growing and producing much of the food they eat. There are reports of insertions and nano particles being placed in and on healthy labeled foods such as lettuce/greens. I do not go on fakebook tic taack,nor twatter., but the information i am finding spells real trouble for our society -especially the segment that is dependent on others to grow their food and distribute… trucking industry, no DEF fluids, no and or expensive diesel, truckers quitting by the droves because they can no longer afford to drive.( my DB was a OTR driver for several companies over 25 years.)
All of this affects our food supply- add in inflation… sausage quick links that were 99c, are now 1.49..price increase over 2 weeks…. in East Tn… You figure that percentage is not 7% nor 10%…
2 years tp and food will not be enough without us being able to grow something to add into our diets.. consider sprouting and getting those supplies in now. get a variety… learn now…
On the fires.
..one was a food distribution in Az.w/many thousands of pounds of food was destroyed…one was a potato factory, on east coast , another factory on west coast….a meat processor in Tx.,…one was in UK- a sausage factory- and no one on media could figure out what burned it so fast…. ie in a pork and beef plant.
… then there are reports on Dark Outpost of the things found in some of those plants.Sherri Raye covers contaminants in food in at least last two days …as well.
2 were plane events that hit facilities…one was said, to “not have a pilot???”
I saw a report that a high ranking gov official in ag. was arrested for plotting destruction.and caught via e mails.
NO matter whether we believe everything OR ANYthing… in the reports and numbers, we must believe there is destruction of food and all humans require food to eat and clean water. Having a supply on hand makes sense. with prices escalating faster than our income- everything you have in your pantry is a hedge against inflation.
I have a friend who advocated for years for a 2 year supply for every household…. now the statement from this individual is 4 years may not be enough.
Hi Denise, well said! Thank you, Linda
Linda,
18 food processing plants being destroyed is not “coincidence”. It is deliberate and meant to reduce the amounts of food available to the public. If you control the food, you control the people. Soon, rationing food will be the “norm” with rationing stamps required to buy anything you are “allowed” to eat. Those who produce (work) will get the greatest amounts of food points, while retireds and those who are disabled will get lesser food points to the level of starvation. This is where gardening and canning produce and meats will become very important. Those who are on SNAP benefits will not be allowed to buy unapproved products the “nanny state” will regulate very harshly. Behold, the product of a Socialistic State!
Hi Fred, well said, thank you, Linda
Snoops has been a very liberal site……haven’t gone on it for last few yrs. Can’t trust anything they have to say.
‘
Hi Sandra, interesting. I read several, but here is yet another one, https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2022-05-03/fact-focus-food-plant-fires-fuel-conspiracy-theory I just want the facts, not rumors. It is very hard to know who to believe these days. Linda
Linda, you and all your efforts on behalf of all your readers has been on my mind since yesterday. I am sorry for all the bad posts you suffered on Facebook. You have educated and enriched so many people that I fail to believe the behavior of some of these same people. You have shared all you have learned, and made many of us better off because of it. God Bless you.
Hi Chris, oh, thank you for your kind words, yesterday was one of the worst days I have had during my 10 years of blogging. It’s crazy how some people love to show anger and hate towards others. Some of these “fires” were literally put out in one hour. And the companies are still up and running. I realize I can’t please everyone, I just wanted to share my research and it wasn’t ALL from Snopes. People are people, it’s sad. Thank you my friend, Linda
Great article Linda. We can’t panic if we have food saved for later. I have a total of 5 freezers. 2 chest freezers and 3 refrigerator freezers. All full. I am getting to where we can get staples enough to keep us through anything.
Hi Jackie we will survive my friend, we have planned ahead. All is well, but if you see some chocolate chips, grab them! LOL! Linda
As of May 2022 the number of fires in processing plants stand at 22.
Hi Mark, I’m sure the number is higher now. Thank you, Linda
So, people hoarding food is why the shelves are empty?? That’s total bs. And your solution is to stock up? Otherwise known as hoarding. Got it.
I just wanted to point out that of those 36k plants, only 42% are actually meat and vegetable processing (around 15k). The rest are things like dairy, oils, beverages, syrups for beveragges animal food, etc. This put a slightly different perspective on loosing 2 dozen a year to fires, especially if some were shut down due to Covid.
Hi Carla, thank you for your thoughts. I was thinking the same thing. Any fire is terrible, but I wanted to show my readers the numbers. Of course, they will change daily. Great comment, Linda
All part of the democrats control of America Agenda as well as the United Nations One World Government Order Movement. This was all in the democrats plan and is why they had to rig the 2020 election because they had to. With Biden flooding lower courts with liberal judges a midterm election rig is in the making because the liberal judges will prevent Republicans from getting quick action on rigged election law suits.
Hi Frank, thank you for your comment, Linda
There was a fire at a grain storage plant in Oregon. Completely destroyed it and all the grain stored there. That will add to to the food problems, too.
Hi Cheryl, it’s crazy about what’s going on right now. We must grow our own food. Linda