Brechin pig plant to reopen following outbreak

Processing operations have resumed at the Angus pig abattoir closed for a fortnight by a coronavirus outbreak.

More than 40 staff connected to the Quality Pork Processors (QPP) plan in Brechin tested positive for Covid-19.

The QPP board took the decision to temporarily halt operations at the Montrose Road slaughterhouse on January 23.

A multi-agency incident management team (IMT) was subsequently put in place.

Plant operators said the full site has undergone a deep clean and staff must give a negative coronavirus test before returning to work.

A spokesperson said: “QPP has been working closely with NHS Tayside IMT throughout this time and the site has undergone a full deep clean prior to opening, including all office spaces, canteens and changing areas.

“All staff have been asked to self-isolate in line with government guidelines since operations at the site were suspended and any who have received a positive test result during this period will continue to self-isolate.

“All staff will be required to demonstrate a negative Covid-19 test result prior to returning to work.”

QPP is a subsidiary company of Quality Pork Limited, which was formed in 2014 through a close collaboration between Scottish Pig Producers, Scotlean and Pilgrim’s UK, formerly Tulip Ltd.

The site is Scotland’s only major pig processing plant.

Andy McGowan of Scottish Pig Producers said: “We welcome the reopening of the Brechin site, which is such a vital facility for the local agricultural economy.”