The British Poultry Council (BPC) has said that it is unfair to portray meat processing plants as Covid-19 epicentres.

The industry body also noted that it is taking all the necessary measures for protecting people working in the meat processing plants.

BPC chief executive Richard Griffiths said: “The British poultry meat industry is working incredibly hard to protect our food heroes who have gone above and beyond to keep this country running amidst the biggest crisis of our lifetime.

“Our people are our most vital asset and ensuring their safety, health and wellbeing remain our top priority. British poultry meat businesses are doing all they can to safeguard their employees and maintain high standards of production from farm to fork.

“The industry has acted responsibly and invested in the necessary infrastructure and practices to implement appropriate social distancing measures as per government guidelines.”

BPC added that though it is difficult to implement two-metre distancing rule and the meat processing facilities, the poultry industry has taken adequate steps to stop the spread of the virus by bringing in modified solutions such as enhanced PPE, mandatory face coverings and perspex screens.

The industry is also said to have also managed the flow of the traffic at the facilities through staggering shifts and breaks.