A spokeswoman for the Solway Foods site, which was previously operated by Northern Foods until 2 Sisters took it over in 2011, told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “We are currently investigating an issue at one of our UK plants which resulted in a metal object being identified in the factory prior to packing.”
FoodManufacture.co.uk understands that a local police investigation has been launched into the possibility that the incident could have been an act of wilful sabotage.
“As a precaution, production was stopped at the factory whilst internal and external investigations take place,” said the spokeswoman.
‘Stringent food safety measures’
“Solway Foods, Corby, takes the safety of its customers extremely seriously. As a responsible business, we have stringent food safety measures in place, including metal detection systems, to ensure that no foreign objects can find their way into the food we produce.”
According to sources close to the factory, which makes prepared salads and sandwiches, production there was suspended for a week while it was subjected to repeated checks from police and its supermarket customers.
However, it is understood that production line staff have still been receiving wages as usual.
One source said: “It would have cost millions, but they must have insurance on it.”
Security tightened
Workers claim 2 Sisters has tightened up security at the site since the incident.
A shadow was already hanging over the Corby facility, with staff voicing grievances over pay and conditions and the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union (BFAWU) co-ordinating a strike ballot.
Since January 10, members of the BFAWU have been voting on whether or not to impose a one-day strike every two weeks in protest over changes to shift patterns and a pay freeze.