Bosses at a Perthshire chicken factory have insisted that full safeguards are in place to protect staff, after complaints from neighbours prompted a visit from police.
The 2 Sisters Food Group strongly rejected accusations it was not following safety guidelines at its Coupar Angus processing plant.
Nearby residents had complained that staff were not self-distancing when they came out of the George Street building at the start and end of their shifts.
The complaints led to enquiries by the Health and Safety Executive and Police Scotland, who visited the plant earlier this week.
Officers said they were happy the factory was complying with government issued advice.
A spokeswoman for 2 Sisters outlined the steps that were taken to protect staff.
“We already introduced a raft of measures when this national crisis escalated around March 15, at extremely short notice, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our colleagues across the country, including at Coupar Angus,” she said.
“We are pleased that people are feeling reassured about the measures we have taken to protect our colleagues during this unprecedented and fast moving situation.”
The firm said Covid-19 posed a considerable challenge, with unparalleled levels of demand for products.
Action taken at the Coupar Angus site includes staggered staff breaks and an increased smoking area, as well as new shift patterns to reduce congestion and new entrance and exit routes.
There is also more control on issuing protective equipment, hand washing is closely monitored and all hard surfaces, such as doors, handles and turn styles, are regularly disinfected.
The wheels of all lorries entering the compound will also be disinfected.
Bosses are also bringing in a new cabin to increase the size of the canteen.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Police were called at around 4.15pm on Tuesday, following a complaint about workers at a business premises not adhering to social distancing guidelines.
“Officers attended and assistance was given.”
Police said they found workers were complying with social distancing rules.
