“As you may have heard, this week the OU Kosher-certified AgriStar facility in Postville, Iowa suffered a devastating fire. The damaged plant is responsible for a significant portion of kosher beef and chicken schechted and sold in the US. The loss is significant enough that we want to alert the tzibbur that they will likely feel the impact in the coming weeks, including reduced supermarket availability. We are working actively with AgriStar and other OU Kosher-certified shechita plants to ramp up production and minimize the impact on our community. 

We have also provided clear guidance to our mashgichim in the field on exercising extra zahirus at this time. Unfortunately, when supply is limited, it creates opportunity for unscrupulous individuals looking to profit at the expense of the ehrliche, kosher-observant public. This guidance includes: 

• Verifying that all incoming meat and poultry bear proper kashrus identification and required seals. 
• Carefully inspecting labels, packaging integrity, and hechsher markings before accepting deliveries. 
• Confirming that products are received only from approved suppliers and distributors. 
• Immediately reporting any discrepancies, or suspicious circumstances to their Rabbinic Coordinator before permitting the items to enter production or inventory."