Essential for the State – Food Industry Faces Coronavirus
When speaking about the key industry during the current pandemic, we mainly think of the healthcare sector. It's understandable that doctors, nurses, paramedics, and pharmacists are on the frontline in the fight against the coronavirus. However, it should not be forgotten that among the sectors crucial for the functioning of the state is also the food industry, strategic for ensuring the food security of Poles. What are the needs of a food-producing company in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and what support it expects from the state is discussed by Paweł Wojciechowski – Sales Director of FRoSTY for Poland and Central Europe.
Enforcing Hygiene Rules
According to the position of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) from 9.03.2020, there is no evidence that food can be a source or indirect link of transmission of the SARS COV-2 virus.
Food production by definition involves high hygiene standards – FRoSTY employees work daily in protective clothing, masks, and gloves, disinfecting hands. The current situation has only intensified these actions. We have also taken the following measures: additional disinfection points have appeared at the entrances to plants, temperature measurement of employees entering the plant has been introduced, as well as additional protection in the form of face shields covering the entire face of production workers. So far, during the pandemic, we are functioning quite efficiently. – says Paweł Wojciechowski
Use of Personal Protective Equipment
On March 31, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced further restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. From April 2, individual workstations must be at least 1.5 meters apart, and if the employer cannot ensure such a distance for objective reasons – for example, because the production line does not allow it – they have the right to deviate from this rule, provided they ensure personal protective equipment related to combating the epidemic.
FRoSTA has adapted to government regulations tightening work rules in production plants due to the coronavirus pandemic in Poland. One of the main challenges of the current time for us is ensuring an adequate supply of personal protective equipment. We are struggling with limited access to masks, gloves, and disinfectant, which are standardly used in the FRoSTA factory in huge quantities. The purchasing process has significantly lengthened, and prices have risen by even several hundred percent. In our opinion, food-producing plants should, right after medical facilities, have guaranteed access to personal protective equipment. We need them to maintain production and continuity of food supplies to stores. – says Paweł Wojciechowski
Preparation in Case of Infection Detection
We are eagerly awaiting answers to questions sent by the Polish Federation of Food Producers to the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate regarding what measures to take in the event of a confirmed case of coronavirus infection in a factory employee. We expect specific information on how to act in this situation to avoid having to close the plant and reduce the risk of downtime. We expect that food-producing plants will gain access to tests that will allow verification of individuals suspected of SARS CoV-2 infection, so that all necessary safety measures can be taken in time. Our colleagues in Germany already have this possibility. – says Paweł Wojciechowski
Childcare for Food Industry Workers
The authorities of several European countries (including Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom) have introduced childcare for workers whose professional activity is essential for the functioning of the state or for fighting the spread of the virus. It is worth mentioning that this right – on par with medical personnel or uniformed services – also covers food industry workers.
Let's not forget that the food industry is a strategic sector for the functioning of our society. Providing childcare for our employees' children would simply help ensure the food security of all Poles. - concludes Paweł Wojciechowski.
Summary
The food industry, though less frequently mentioned than healthcare, plays a key role during the pandemic. As emphasized by Paweł Wojciechowski of FRoSTY, food production involves hygiene rigor, which has now been tightened – including temperature measurement and additional disinfection points.
However, the company is dealing with rising prices of personal protective equipment (by even several hundred percent) and expects state support, including priority access to coronavirus tests. It is worth adding that in Germany, workers in this industry already have this possibility, which facilitates responding to infection cases.
