Industry leaders have blasted Public Health England for the “incomprehensible” lack of guidance on safety for food workers in the coronavirus crisis.
The FDF said it had been waiting almost two weeks for PHE to produce detailed guidance on separation of staff, including clarification over face mask use.
FDF CEO Ian Wright said the situation was a “nightmare” for companies suffering from large-scale absenteeism and facing union accusations of not protecting staff.
On 25 March, PHE issued detailed advice for retailers on store operations. But its guidance on factories has been slammed as too vague.
“We’ve been waiting since last Tuesday for PHE guidance,” explained Wright. “I spoke to the man who wrote the guidelines [Professor John Simpson] on Tuesday, they were approved the following Thursday, but they’ve still not appeared.
“It’s a complete nightmare for guys who are doing their best to get clear with their factory staff what they’re supposed to be doing. “
The lack of information was compounded by a BBC report last week suggesting WHO was likely to change its guidance on face masks, added Wright. “It just wasn’t true. WHO guidance hasn’t changed. That was confirmed today. Where did that come from? It just causes masses of anxiety. The medical advice is you should not wear a face mask unless you are used to wearing one and take the right precautions,” he said. “Some are concerned that by using them, workers will get a false sense of security.”
PHE’s current guidance asks employers to “ensure staff follow social distancing guidance, including food businesses, as far as is reasonably possible.
“Where the production environment makes it difficult to do so, employers should consider what measures may be put in place to protect employees,” it adds.
Dr Nick Phin, deputy director, National Infection Service, PHE said: “PHE continues to be in close contact with the food industry to ensure they have the guidance to keep working safely.”
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