The NFU has warned the poultry sector to make sure their Salmonella samples arrive on time against the backdrop of Royal Mail strikes in August and September.
The Communication Workers Union (CWU) has called on its members who collect, sort and deliver parcels and mail to take strike action on August 26 and 31 and September 8 and 9.
Some Post Office workers will also be taking strike action on August 26, 27 and 30 , meaning some branches are likely to be closed on those dates. The Post Office is advising people to check their local branch is open before visiting during industrial action.
The Royal Mail has contingency plans in place throughout the strikes but is warning of potential disruption to delivery services.
The NFU has urged poultry producers to take appropriate contingency measures to ensure that time-sensitive items such as Salmonella samples reach their destination on time.
For egg producers, the National Control Plan for Salmonella includes a legal requirement that samples must reach the laboratory within four days of the sample being taken. It is the poultry producer’s responsibility to ensure that the samples arrive within that timeframe.
Poultry producers should consider using alternative delivery methods or courier services to guarantee their Salmonella samples arrive at the laboratory in time, the NFU said.