EGG farmers should prepare to make alternative arrangements for sending salmonella samples given planned strike action at the Royal Mail.
The Communication Workers Union has called on members who collect, sort and deliver parcels and mail to strike on 26 and 31 August and 8 and 9 September, potentially disrupting service.
See also: Three ways to reduce salmonella risk on poultry farms
The Royal Mail said it had contingency plans in place, but customers should expect “significant disruption”.
Some post office workers are also taking industrial action on 26, 27 and 30 August, which will lead to the closure of some branches.
The National Control Plan for salmonella includes a legal requirement that samples must reach the laboratory within four days of the sample being taken.
Contingency measures
“It is the farmer’s responsibility to ensure that the samples arrive within that timeframe,” the NFU said.
“We’re urging members to take appropriate contingency measures to ensure that time-sensitive items such as salmonella samples reach their destination on time.”
“Poultry producers should consider alternative delivery methods or courier services to guarantee their salmonella samples arrive at the laboratory in time,” the union added.
