FDA, USDA Provide Recommendations for PPE Shortages

FDA and USDA have released a guidance document offering recommendations for addressing shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), cloth face coverings, disinfectants, and sanitation supplies in the food and agriculture industry.

Click here to access the full PPE guidance document.

According to the guidance document, Sector entities can apply the following considerations when attempting to source supplies:

• Continue working with normal and alternate private-sector suppliers to obtain PPE, cloth face coverings, disinfectants, and sanitation supplies. It may be necessary to identify multiple options for suppliers and prioritize near-term versus long-term needs.
• If suppliers are unable to provide for your needs, and the PPE and/or cloth face coverings are urgently required, submit a request for assistance to your state emergency management agencies. If the state is unable to address the PPE and/or cloth face covering shortfall, the state should submit a request for support to their FEMA Regional Response Coordination Center.

Any requests to state or federal agencies for urgent resupply of PPE for essential critical infrastructure workers should accurately describe:

• Specific types, quantities (include 30-, 60- and 90-day demand), and locations where PPE is needed;
• Estimated time until the shortage impacts operations based on PPE burn rate; and
• Consequence of the shortage on the supply of food, agricultural commodities or agricultural inputs, and anticipated duration of its impact.

When ordering PPE, cloth face coverings, disinfectants, and/or sanitation supplies, Sector entities can:

• Identify themselves as members of one of the critical infrastructure sectors, specifically the Food and Agriculture Sector;
• Include a copy of the FDA/USDA guidance document, which reflects both the scarcity of, and need for, PPE, cloth face coverings, disinfectants and/or sanitation supplies within the Food and Agriculture Sector; and
• Consult the websites provided below:
  • International Safety Equipment Association buyer’s guide
  • Sanitary Suppliers Wholesale Association
  • ISSA buyer’s guide