date:Apr 17, 2013
Fitch Ratings issued a warning on April 16 that some of the largest restaurant chains and meat processors may be at risk due to an outbreak of H7N9 avian influenza in China. Among the companies most exposed, according to Fitch, are Yum! Brands, Inc., McDonalds Corp., Tyson Foods, Inc. and JBS S.A.
We believe rising consumer fears around avian influenza in China could cause a meaningful pullback in chicken consumption with fewer restaurant visits, lower retail chicken sales, and reduced export a