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November 18, 1999
Web posted at: 5:47 p.m. EST (2247 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Government and food industry officials on Thursday predicted the nation's food supply would not be hampered by Y2K computer problems.

Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman and John Koskinen, chair of the President Council on Y2K Conversion, flanked by representatives from the food industry, said that grocery stores, convenience stores and major chain restaurants have completed their Y2K preparations and anticipate no problems for consumers.

"The bottom line is this: Food companies are ready and consumers will be able to buy fruit and grocery products over the New Year's holiday and beyond," said John Block, former secretary of agriculture and current chief of the Food Distributors International. "There is no reason for people to be concerned."

Surrounded by cameras in the meat section of a suburban Washington grocery store, Glickman said, "Consumers can expect a safe and abundant food supply which will be there beyond January 1, the year 2000."

He cautioned, though, that consumer stockpiling, increased holiday demand, and bad weather may result in isolated shortages.

A survey commissioned by the Grocery Manufacturers of America reported that 97 percent of its members say they are "very confident" they will "receive, fill and ship invoice orders without disruption through January 1, 2000 and beyond."