March 24, 2020
The MWFPA COVID-19 Update is underwritten in part by Bug Blocker Doors & Screens
The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation with ramifications for the economy, interstate commerce and the Midwest's food manufacturing industry.

MWFPA continues to closely monitor evolving information about the coronavirus/COVID-19 and are providing the following information for your use.
The MWFPA COVID-19 Update is underwritten in part by Alliant Energy
AFFI Provides Food Industry Protocol

The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has offered this  food industry recommended protocol  providing explicit guidance to food manufacturers on how to respond in a way that protects your workforce and keeps your facilities operating.

AFFI’s scientific team worked with several other associations to create this document that was then also reviewed and endorsed by FDA as well as the other food trade associations. FDA indicated that it will soon be available directly on the agency’s website.

It should be noted that this protocol has caused some concern within the industry, as workers with symptoms are treated the same as those testing positive.
State Certification Of Exemptions

Following are two draft templates provided by MWFPA associate member Michael Best. One is a template for state certification of exemption identifying your company as an essential business. The other is a supply chain/vendor letter for use in communicating with your suppliers.


Please note that should your individual company decide to use these documents, they should be reviewed by your legal counsel to insure compliance with the specific order of the subject jurisdiction. 

At the federal level, the guidance you should note is from CISA and was issued on March 19, 2020 recommending food & ag as a critical industry. It is available here:  https://www.cisa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/CISA_Guidance_on_the_Essential_Critical_Infrastructure_Workforce_508C_0.pdf
WI COVID-19 Transportation Permit Extension

The current WI emergency COVID-19 permit which was set to expire at midnight on March 27 will be extended within the next 48 hours. Nothing is expected to change on the existing permit's allowable weight, commodities, restrictions or conditions.

Earlier this month Gov. Evers has directed the state's Department of Transportation to issue permits for transporting supplies to grocery retailers impacted by the current public health situation. 

The directive waived fees for the permit which allows an additional 8,000 pounds for a legal maximum of 88,000 pounds for both interstate and intrastate carriers.
Motor Carrier Safety Administration Extends CDL Licenses

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has granted, until June 30, a waiver for expiring commercial driver’s licenses and commercial learner’s permits during the COVIC-19 situation.

More information can be obtained by clicking here .

Brian Elliott | Midwest Food Products Association | Ph: (608) 255-9946 | Fax: (608) 255-9838
Web: www.mwfpa.org