The European Commission this week introduced restrictions on the movement of people in and out of the bloc in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced a temporary ban on all “non-essential” travel across Europe. Importantly, the EU has recognised the food industry as an “essential” supply chain and has not extended the travel restrictions on the transport of goods such as meat, dairy, livestock and other essential food products.

People working in the food, distribution and transport industries will be exempt from the travel restrictions in order to keep food supply chains moving in and out of Europe.

The Irish food industry and the Department of Agriculture have welcomed these exemptions, as it underlines the importance of export markets to maintain equilibrium in meat and dairy markets across Europe.

Meanwhile, convenience food manufacturer Greencore has said maintaining food supply chains at the manufacturing, distribution and supermarket level will be an “increasingly critical” part of the national infrastructure in the months ahead after restaurants and foodservice outlets shut down.

Greencore, the largest sandwich maker in the UK and Ireland, and a major buyer of Irish meat and food ingredients, said its supply chains and production network are fully operational as Europe braces itself for the worst impact of the coronavirus outbreak.