CORONAVIRUS UPDATE 17th April 2020

Guidance for consumers on covid-19 updated.

Food standards agency has published new guidance for consumers on coronavirus and food.
This includes hygiene guidance to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

The updated guidance can be viewed here: –
—Updated Guidance

Meaty new website to inspire consumers.

A meaty new website, packed with recipe inspiration perfect for making during lockdown, has been launched today (16 April, 2020) by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

The Scotch Kitchen website, “Scotch Kitchen Link” has been completely redesigned to provide a high level of user functionality and experience.
The innovative design of the website will provide consumers with exceptional content via a powerful search function. As well as over 100 recipes and tips on cooking Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork, the site will host practical “how to” video content for family meals and feature easier navigation options and a seamless experience across multiple devices.

Designed to be a one-stop-shop for all Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork recipes, the website is also a valuable way of reaching consumers with key messages including important health, nutrition, animal welfare and sustainability messaging.

When visiting the site, consumers will be able to use a range of searchable sections including “Beef, Lamb or Pork”, “Cuts”, “Preparation Time”, “Season” and “Meal Type” to find recipes. They can also search for meals suitable for special calendar occasions such as Burns Night, Easter and Christmas.
Retailers stocking Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork, as well as members of Quality Meat Scotland's Scotch Butchers Club and Scotch Beef Club, are also listed on the site, providing consumers guidance on where to buy the brands.

Lesley Cameron, Director of Marketing and Communications with QMS said that with consumers cooking more at home from scratch due to movement restrictions, it is the perfect time to launch the re-vamped website.

“The new look website has been designed with quick and easy cooking in mind and promotes the exceptional quality and taste which our brands are world renowned for,” said Mrs Cameron
“As well as including our popular tried and tested recipes, the site also houses more high quality video content to guide consumers step-by-step through recipes, in the hope that they will add these to their weekly cooking repertoire.
“With a lively and loyal social media community of over 50,000 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, it's hoped the site's re-launch will also encourage greater social engagement, with options to recommend, review and share our fantastic recipes.”
The newly re-designed website is now live and can be accessed at: “Scotch Kitchen Link”

Guidance from our Health & Safety advisors (National Health & Safety Company)

Should a member of staff show symptoms of COVID 19, they should be sent home and isolate for the Government suggested initial 7 days [extended to 14 days should another person in their household also start to show signs].

The company premises should have a deep clean undertaken and all remaining staff self-checked on regular basis [using previous form supplied] to confirm no other person has symptoms.

Staff must follow the regular hand cleaning procedure and report immediately any symptoms to supervisor/manager.

Orders are encouraged to be taken by phone and delivery service when available.

Minimise customer contact within the premises, allowing about 2 people maximum an maintaining a 2 metre distance between them.

Perspex shields should be erected to separate staff from customers at tills.

Encouraging card or contactless payment

Disinfection spray/gel plus paper wipes made available to customers in order to clean baskets/trolleys

The following is an extract from the Government site on staff welfare.

If anyone becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature in the business or workplace they should be sent home and advised to follow the stay at home guidance. If you or an employee are experiencing symptoms, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 if there is no internet access. In an emergency, call 999 if they are seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk. Do not visit the GP, pharmacy, urgent care centre or a hospital.
If a member of staff has helped someone who was taken unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, they do not need to go home unless they develop symptoms themselves. They should wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after any contact with someone who is unwell with symptoms consistent with coronavirus infection.
It is not necessary to close the business or workplace or send any staff home unless government policy changes. You should keep monitoring the government response to coronavirus for further updates.
The Food Standards Agency's fitness for work guidance for staff who handle food products provides advice on managing sickness in a food business. Understanding this guidance and applying it on both a personal and business level can help to prevent the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
We hope this helps and will keep you informed should guidance changes.

The Scottish Craft Butchers office in Perth is now closed following government guidelines.
We will be available to our members to answer any queries via email or by mobile phone and will be available out of office hours for any members wanting to contact us.
Our contact details are below
Gordon King: – [email protected] 07917524313
Bruce McCall: [email protected] 07834490922