Costco temporarily limiting some fresh meat purchases

Wholesale chain Costco will temporarily limit some fresh meat purchases for customers during the coronavirus outbreak, the company said Monday.

On a section of the chain’s website dedicated to measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, Costco said that some fresh meat products, including beef, poultry and pork, would be limited to three per customer per visit.

“Costco has implemented limits on certain items to help ensure more members are able to purchase merchandise they want and need. Our buyers and suppliers are working hard to provide essential, high demand merchandise as well as everyday favorites,” the chain explained.

The move follows similar actions taken by grocery chain Kroger and other Dillons subsidiaries such as King Soopers and City Markets.

Grocery stores and other suppliers of essential goods have reported trouble maintaining supplies of a wide range of products amid the coronavirus outbreak, with shelves emptied of common household items such as paper towels, soap and hand sanitizer in many states.

Individual outbreaks of coronavirus also continue to threaten the U.S. supply chain, as companies such as Tyson Foods, Cargill and JBS have all been forced to shutter facilities in response to reports of confirmed virus cases.