K A S H R U T . C O M_©

July 28, 2026: from the VinNews

"A major fire broke out early Tuesday at the Agri Star Meat & Poultry plant, one of the world’s largest kosher meatpacking facilities, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and prompting a multi-agency response across northeast Iowa.

"The blaze was reported shortly after 4 a.m. at the sprawling processing plant on North West Street. Multiple fire departments from the region responded as heavy smoke billowed from the facility, visible for miles and drifting into neighboring Fayette County.

"Agri Star confirmed the fire in a Facebook post around 9 a.m., stating that emergency crews had been on scene since early morning and were actively working to contain the flames.

"Officials indicated disruptions to distribution are expected.

"Agri Star is Allamakee County’s largest employer and a major supplier of kosher beef and poultry. The plant, formerly known as Agriprocessors, was founded by the Rubashkin family and acquired in 2009 by interests associated with Canadian businessman Hershey Friedman. It has faced previous incidents, including a smaller boiler-room fire in May and an explosion in 2021 that injured two workers."