As YWN warned in the immediate aftermath of the devastating fire that destroyed much of the Agri Star kosher meat-processing facility in Postville, Iowa, the effects are now beginning to reach supermarket shelves across America.

The attached photo, taken at a Jewel-Osco supermarket in the Chicago area, shows a notice informing customers that because of the Agri Star fire, the chain is no longer receiving product from the plant and that “limited availability of certain items” is expected.

The notice reads, in part:

“Due to a fire at the Agri Star Kosher Processing Plant in Iowa… Jewel-Osco will not receive additional product from the plant, which may lead to limited availability of certain items.”

Industry leaders have already acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. OU Kosher has warned that the destruction of the facility has removed a significant portion of America’s kosher meat production from the supply chain, and that consumers should expect reduced availability while efforts are underway to increase production at other facilities.

Despite those efforts, what concrete steps are being taken to prevent widespread shortages and significant price increases ahead of the Yamim Tovim remain largely unknown. While other kosher processors are reportedly attempting to expand production and additional suppliers are being explored, industry insiders acknowledge that replacing Agri Star’s massive output will not be easy.

For now, signs like the one posted in Chicago may be the first visible indication of what many kosher consumers across the country could soon experience.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)