Costco to temporarily limit meat purchases to 3 items per person

Costco is temporarily limiting meat purchases to three items per member, the company announced Monday. Meat items include poultry, beef and pork.

“Costco has implemented limits on certain items to help ensure more members are able to purchase merchandise they want and need,” reads the company statement.

Other grocers have adopted similar limits on meat purchases. Grocery giant Kroger said it has purchase limits on ground beef and fresh pork, while New York-based supermarket chain Wegmans has set limits on family packs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and 80% ground beef.

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Experts say Americans could see an increase in spot shortages of meat at some grocery stores. Meat processing plants shut down due to coronavirus outbreaks, with at least 6,300 reported positive cases tied to meatpacking facilities as of April 30.

Concerns about a potential meat shortage have also bubbled in recent weeks following comments from Tyson Foods Chairman John Tyson warning of a “vulnerable” supply chain.

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Costco updates:Costco requires all customers to wear face masks

Starting Monday, most Costco locations and gas stations will return to regular operating hours, which vary by location. Customers and employees alike will be required to wear face-coverings or masks.

Changes Costco is implementing nationwide

• Face masks: All customers and employees are required to wear masks or other face coverings.
• Senior hours: Select Costco warehouses will be open from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday for members ages 60 and older.
• First responder hours: Member health care workers and first responders have priority access to the warehouse during all open hours.
• Product limitations: The company has implemented limits on certain items to help ensure more members are able to purchase merchandise they want and need.
• Reusable shopping bags: Costco is allowing members to use their own reusable shopping bags as long as they pack the bags themselves, unless prohibited by local mandates.
• Return restrictions: Warehouses are not accepting returns on toilet paper, bottled water, sanitizing wipes, paper towels, rice and disinfecting spray
• Limited service: There will be limited or no service at the Hearing Aid department, Costco Optical, the floral department and the jewelry department. Limitations vary by location.
• Food court: A limited menu is available at Costco food courts. Orders are only available for takeout; seating is not available.

Follow Coral Murphy on Twitter @CoralMerfi