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Meatpacking's coronavirus problem

The unique conditions that have led to global outbreaks at meat processing plants.

Meatpacking plants around the world are quickly becoming hotspots for Coronavirus outbreaks. In many rural parts of the United States, meat processing factories have now become the main source of Covid-19 infections. But why are other food factories not experiencing the same problem? And why is the US so adversely affected?

Tamasin Ford takes a look at the unique conditions at meat processing factories that enable the virus to thrive and how the outbreaks have revealed some of the gruelling working conditions facing many workers around the world.

In Denmark, Europe’s largest pig processor, we explore whether artificial intelligence and the use of robots could help prevent future outbreaks, or whether it’s simply about providing better working conditions for people working in the factories.

If you'd like to get in touch with the team, please email thefoochain@bbc.co.uk.

(Picture: A man cuts meat for sausage. Credit: Lev Fedoseyev/TASS via Getty Images/Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ)

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27 minutes

Last on

Mon 17 Aug 2020 00:32GMT
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except Americas and the Caribbean

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  • Thu 13 Aug 2020 10:32GMT
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  • Thu 13 Aug 2020 15:32GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
  • Thu 13 Aug 2020 21:32GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except Europe and the Middle East
  • Thu 13 Aug 2020 22:32GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service Europe and the Middle East
  • Sun 16 Aug 2020 07:32GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service
  • Mon 17 Aug 2020 00:32GMT
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ World Service except Americas and the Caribbean

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