POSTVILLE, Iowa (VINnews) — The massive fire that destroyed much of the Agri Star Meat & Poultry processing plant Tuesday could lead to reduced kosher meat availability across the United States in the coming weeks.

Earlier Wednesday, VIN News published a warning from Rabbi Moshe Elefant, CEO of OU Kosher, who said the Postville facility is responsible for a significant portion of the kosher beef and chicken shechted and sold in the United States.

“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,” Rabbi Elefant said.

A new report from Iowa’s News Now says the disruption could tighten an already limited summer supply as Jewish families prepare for Rosh Hashanah and the upcoming Yom Tov season.

OU Kosher is working with Agri Star and other certified shechita plants to increase production elsewhere and minimize potential shortages. However, officials have not announced when or whether operations at the damaged Postville facility will resume.

Agri Star said Wednesday that it is continuing to assess the damage and evaluate its short-term plans.

“Our focus remains on the safety and well-being of our team members, our emergency responders, and our community as we continue working closely with local, state, and federal officials to assess the situation and begin planning for the road ahead,” the company said.

Agri Star also thanked firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, utility workers, employees and members of the Postville community for their response and support.

Rabbi Elefant warned that limited supplies could also create opportunities for unscrupulous individuals seeking to profit from kosher consumers. OU Kosher has instructed its mashgichim to exercise additional caution by carefully verifying seals, labels, packaging, hechsher markings and suppliers.

Consumers should ensure that meat and poultry products bear proper kashrus identification and intact seals, particularly when purchasing from unfamiliar sellers.

Officials have not yet released a damage estimate or a timetable for reopening the facility.

VIN News will continue following developments.