As AgriStar begins assessing the damage from the devastating fire at its Postville plant, concern is turning to what the shutdown could mean for kosher consumers ahead of the busy Tishrei buying season.

The fire burned for an exceptionally long time before it was brought under control, causing extensive damage to one of the largest kosher meat and poultry facilities in the United States. The plant is also central to Postville itself, with an estimated one in five local residents employed there.

OU Kosher is now warning that the damage will remove a significant amount of beef and poultry from the kosher market.

“The damaged facility means a significant portion of kosher beef and chicken slaughtered and sold in the US will not enter the kosher supply chain,” Rabbi Moshe Elefant, CEO of OU Kosher, said. “Kosher consumers will feel the impact of the tightening supply with reduction of availability.”

With a substantial portion of the country’s kosher beef and poultry supply now expected to be disrupted as demand rises ahead of the Tishrei Yomim Tovim, higher wholesale and retail prices are likely to follow as stores, caterers and families compete for tighter inventory.

The size of the increase will depend largely on how much stock distributors already have on hand, how quickly production can be shifted to other facilities and how long the Postville plant remains offline.

OU Kosher said it is working with AgriStar and other suppliers to increase production at alternative plants and limit the strain on the kosher market.

“We are working closely with AgriStar and all other suppliers to find solutions for ramping up production at other plants,” Rabbi Elefant said.

OU Kosher also warned consumers to carefully examine the kosher symbol and the integrity of packages they purchase, saying shortages can create opportunities for dishonest sellers.

“Unfortunately, when supply is limited, it creates opportunity for unscrupulous individuals who seek to make money by preying on the well-meaning kosher observant public,” Rabbi Elefant said.

The organization said it has provided additional guidance to its mashgichim and instructed them to exercise extra caution during the disruption.

AgriStar, meanwhile, said it is still evaluating the damage and has not yet determined its short-term plans.

“We understand there are many questions about what comes next,” the company said in a statement. “While we are still gathering information and evaluating our short-term plans, we are committed to sharing verified updates as soon as they become available.”

The company thanked the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, utility crews and first responders who worked to contain the fire, as well as employees and members of the surrounding communities who offered assistance.

“Our focus remains on the safety and well-being of our team members, our emergency responders, and our community as we continue working closely with local, state, and federal officials to assess the situation and begin planning for the road ahead,” AgriStar said.