A primary pig processing site that closed for two weeks after a Covid-19 outbreak among its workforce has now reopened.
Production at the Cranswick Country Foods plant, Co Antrim, was temporarily stopped following the discovery of a group of coronaviruses.
The plant is one of ni meat processing sites for pigs and has been closed for two weeks.
Cranswick, one of the UK’s largest pig processors, said the fitness and protection of all his colleagues are his number one priority.
Farmers’ teams have welcomed the news of the reopening of the site, and the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) called it ”positive news” for pig producers.
He thanked the pig processors for working in combination and helping reopen once it was closed.
UFU President Victor Chestnutt said: “The UFU has spent a great deal of time minimizing the effect of closing Cranswick by holding talks to get the plant back up and running as soon as it becomes a safe environment for staff and farmers.
“Everyone’s protection has remained a precedent as we paint to ensure that the swine industry is not interrupted and that farmers do not struggle to space pigs more than planned.
“We inspire them to continue painting in combination with the same efficiency, maximizing pork and mitigating any delays that might have started to occur on farms.”
Cranswick is the first meat processor to have coronavirus cases in its workforce.
In June, Asda was forced to temporarily close her meat site in West Yorkshire after 165 staff members tested positive for Covid-19.
2 Sisters, which produces one third of all poultry products fed in the United Kingdom, closed its meat factory in Anglesey after an outbreak inflamed thirteen factory workers.
Elsewhere in Germany, Europe’s largest meat processing has been affected by an epidemic that has quarantined some 7,000 people.
Contact Editor-in-Chief Daniel Wild by emailing [email protected] or calling 01484 400666 if you have a query related to the content of this article.
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