Coronavirus initiatives benefit food firms
Bureau Veritas has sought to help businesses respond rapidly to the challenges posed by the global pandemic through its new Food Emergency Preparedness Pack.
The 14-page document has been created by Bureau Veritas to help businesses through the food value chain to identify and address the most common risk factors that coronavirus presents to their employees, business operations and service users.
For food manufacturers, the pack highlights stringent health and hygiene guidelines for key food workers, such as the importance of increased instances of hand-washing and how to implement control measures where social distancing may not be achievable.
Adapting to the outbreak
Bureau Veritas chief executive Ken Smith said: “With the initial period of lockdown extended by a further three weeks at least, it is imperative that businesses consistently review and adapt their ways of working to ensure compliance to Government guidelines.
“As we continue to push through this period of uncertainty, this guide also offers practical advice on maintaining compliance through digital remote auditing, and utilising our e-learning and virtual classroom offering to get support on a wide range of topics, delivered by our food specialists.
Another business shifting its focus on increasing staff safety during the outbreak of COVID-19 was Regency Design.
Known for working with retailers on point-of-sale displays, as well as manufacturing and designing 3D graphics for vending machines, the company converted its design and manufacturing capability over to personal protective equipment (PPE). It launched a category 1 face visor as part of a series of innovations to support key workers in current and future crises.
Continuing to operate
Bakery The Bread Factory has been one of the many businesses that has been able to keep operating safely during the pandemic thanks to Regency’s visors.
While the manufacturer already adhered to strict food safety protocol, site manager Eilan Azulay identified the need for further protection for the workforce – especially for those working in warehousing and distribution.
Azulay said the order of 120 PPE face visors had allowed the business to keep trading in these uncertain times.
“We need to keep our bakery running to supply the major retailers and, when I was satisfied that we were not buying product that would have been going to the NHS, I was happy to place an order and even happier that Regency Design provided us with a quantity at no charge,” she added.
Meanwhile, the coronavirus has prompted the food industry to unite in efforts to ensure essential services are maintained to keep consumers fed.
