The National Framers’ Union is urging members to take contingency measures to ensure that time sensitive items such as salmonella samples reach their destination on time or risk breaking the law.
For egg producers, the National Control Plan for salmonella includes a legal requirement that samples must reach the lab within four days of the sample being taken – and it’s the poultry producer’s responsibility to ensure that the samples arrive within that timeframe.
A spokesman for the NFU said: “Poultry producers should consider using alternative delivery methods or courier services to guarantee their salmonella samples arrive at the laboratory in time.”
The call comes after the Communication Workers Union called on its members who collect, sort and deliver parcels and mail to take strike action on 26 and 31 August and the 8 and 9 September.
The Royal Mail has contingency plans in place, but is warning of potential disruption to delivery services. It said: ““We will continue to accept, prioritise and deliver as many Special Delivery items as our resources allow during strike action. However, we cannot guarantee delivery of all items by 9am or 1pm next day. We will therefore suspend the next day guarantee for items sent the day before, during strike action and until our services are back to normal. Customers will not be able to claim compensation for items which are delayed during this period.”
