Operations were paused at one of Scotland’s main meat processing plants earlier this week after a number of its staff tested positive for Covid-19.
As reported in the Press and Journal, Scotbeef confirmed the cases at its Bridge of Allan plant and said a phased return to getting the facility up and running was already under way.
In a statement, the company said: “In the last few days a number of colleagues working at our Bridge of Allan plant have tested positive for coronavirus and are now self-isolating in line with national guidance.
“We take the welfare of our colleagues very seriously and are working with the relevant authorities to ensure everyone’s safety.
“All appropriate action has been taken and activity was paused on a temporary basis whilst all colleagues were tested.
“We continue to work closely with NHS Forth Valley’s public health team who are providing advice and support to assist with a phased return to full operation over the coming days.”
Scotbeef said since the beginning of the pandemic a range of comprehensive protection measures had been put in place including physical distancing and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
The company added: “Frequent inspections of our plants by the relevant authorities confirmed that we have taken all necessary precautions however, given the size of our workforce and the rising levels in the wider local community, it is not unexpected that we would experience some positive cases during the ongoing pandemic.”
The Scotbeef outbreak follows news that a number of employees at another meat plant – Kepak McIntosh Donald in Portlethen, near Aberdeen – had tested positive for Covid-19.
A spokeswoman for NHS Grampian said the health board was working with Kepak McIntosh Donald and other partners to ensure all appropriate control measures are in place within its workforce.
Meat processors trade body, SAMW, declined to comment on the cases but said all of its members had installed extra safeguards to observe Covid-19 rules.
