HEALTH PROTECTION MEASURES IN MEAT PROCESSING FACILITIES

Posted on by

South Scotland MSP Emma Harper has raised the issue of workforce safety in Scottish meat processing facilities with the First Minister during chamber question time. This follows incidents where a number of processing plants in England and Wales have had to close due to large numbers of their workforce being diagnosed with COVID-19 in recent days and weeks.

Ms Harper – who has been championing local food production and supply chains – asked the First Minister what guidance has been given to meat processing facilities across Scotland, to ensure optimal health and safety of the workforce given the spread of COVID-19 in other parts of the UK.

In response, the First Minister provided assurances that Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have delivered comprehensive advice, and that the agency has a physical presence, at all of Scotland’s 25 slaughter houses.

Additionally, The First Minister reinforced that FSS are also working closely with all meat processing facilities and butchers to ensure that physical distancing, disinfection and enhanced cleanliness routines are in place and that physical distancing marshals are present to ensure staff and others are supported so that adherence to the guidance and rules can be met.

Commenting, Ms Harper said:

“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to raise Scotland’s world renowned meat and food supply sector with the First Minister and to be provided with assurances that the Scottish Government is continuing to do all it can to work with the meat and food processing sector to ensure that the recommended standards are maintained, and that safety measures are in place to ensure that the risk of the spread of COVID-19 amongst the workforce remains as low as possible.

“In response to my question which asked the First Minister what guidance the Scottish Government has provided to meat processing facilities, which also outlined that a number of processing plants across the UK have now closed because of large number of their workforce being diagnosed with COVID-19, the First Minister stated that Food Standard’s Scotland now have a physical attendance in Scotland’s 25 slaughter houses. The First Minister also affirmed that the Scottish Government – through Food Standard’s Scotland – is working closely with butchers and other meat and food processing facilities in order to ensure appropriate and enhanced social distancing, disinfection and cleanliness routines. This also includes the use of social distancing marshals to ensure compliance with the restrictions and guidance.

“I welcome all the steps the Scottish Government are taking to ensure the workforce is protected in these difficult and very challenging times, and that all steps are in place to ensure that the risk of the spread of COVID-19 at processing facilities, and indeed any other workplace, remains as low as possible.”