Brechin abattoir in temporary closure due to CO2 shortage
A shortage in food-grade carbon dioxide (CO2) affecting businesses across the UK food industry has resulted in Brechin abattoir temporarily closing.
The Brechin plant is run by Quality Pork Ltd (QPL) and Tulip is supporting the site during the shortage of CO2.
Tulip has been granted temporary one-week derogation from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) so that its QMS-assured Scottish pigs can be processed at the Tulip site in Ashton.
Tulip has added that it is reviewing all options to minimise non-critical usage of CO2, with animal welfare remaining its number one priority, and is processing its last batch of pigs at the Brechin abattoir until it can secure a delivery of CO2.
The Brechin Abattoir pictured during its construction in 2015.
Pigmeat processed at the site will continue to carry the Specially Selected Pork logo, allowing it to maintain animal welfare and support the Scottish pig industry.
A spokesman for Tulip said: “We are in daily contact with our supply partners, but are extremely concerned, along with the rest of the industry, that very little, if any information is coming out of the gas sector about when this will be rectified.”
CO2 is used for a number of purposes within the supply chain; to stun pigs during the slaughter process, which is said to be the most humane method available, and to mix with nitrogen for use in packaging to help preserve products.
Tulip has confirmed it is keeping customers updated on a daily basis and thank them for their understanding during these exceptional circumstances.
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