Production at the Agriprocessors kosher meat plant in Iowa has been suspended. The leading kosher meatpacker was the target of a massive federal immigration investigation in May of this year, but in recent weeks its troubles have multiplied, leading to a bankruptcy filing earlier this month. Several companies have filed lawsuits against Agriprocessors, including a St. Louis bank that claims the company defaulted on a US$ 35 million loan. Former plant manager Sholom Rubashkin was arrested twice and is now being held in federal custody on multiple charges. Rubashkin, the son of the company owner Aaron Rubashkin, stands accused of helping illegal employees procure fake work documents and orchestrating an accounting scheme that permitted the company to borrow more money than it had collateral to cover. If convicted, Rubashkin faces more than 50 years in jail.
Agriprocessors' production woes add to an already unstable market for kosher meat. Retailers, restaurants and customers across the United States have reported shortages and price increases. On Sunday, the market received a dose of good news when Empire Kosher Poultry, a major producer in Pennsylvania, announced it would be increasing production by 50 per cent. The increase will go into effect next week, as will a 10 per cent reduction in the price of boneless chicken breasts.
