ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) – Another critical U.S. business fell victim to a cyberattack this week.
JBS, the world’s largest meat processor, was forced to halt operations after hackers held its computer system for ransom.
The ransomware attack on JBS caused the meat processing giant to shut down nine beef plants in the U.S.
But there’s no reason to run to the store and panic purchase everything in the meat department.
United Supermarkets regional vice president John Jameson says the JBS meat hack won’t disrupt the store’s beef and pork supply.
He says the only area of the meat counter affected by the cyberattack will be the poultry section.
“We don’t buy pork and beef from jobs; we do buy chicken. Our beef and pork weren’t affected at all. It is going to make a little bit of a shortage in the market in general, but it’s not going to affect our supply chain,” said Jameson.
Jameson says he knew on Tuesday that United’s selection of Pilgrims Pride chicken would run a little low when two of the regular supply truck didn’t show up.
“This comes through JBS. JBS packaged the Pilgrims Pride for us. As you can see, this is a pretty good section of our meat counter, but it’s not the only section,” said Jameson.
Around 25 percent of United’s chicken selection is Pilgrim’s Pride, but
Jameson says the pandemic prepared the store to bring in other suppliers to fill the gaps.
He adds that the chicken supply chain should be back to normal very soon.
“We’re going to be a little thin in this category, but we’re going to be just fine. Then on Sunday and Monday, we’ll be back in business with the Pilgrims Pride as well,” said Jameson.
As of today, JBS facilities were starting to return to partial production.
But the USDA is still encouraging other meat producers to boost their output as much as possible to make up for the shortage.
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