The shelf life on 21 Co-op own-label continental meat products has been reduced due to the coronavirus outbreak.

In a message sent to Nisa and Costcutter retailers and seen by Better Retailing, the Co-op said: “We would like to advise you, in order to offset potential supply issues that may be caused by effects of the coronavirus in Europe, it has been agreed that the supplier of the Co-op continental meats will increase the level of stockholding in the UK.

Coronavirus: Advice for retailers

“This action will mean that the minimum shelf life across a number of products will reduce slightly.”

Of the 21 lines impacted, products with the biggest decrease in shelf life include Co-op Parma Ham (45 days to 34 days) and Co-op Sliced Chorizo (47 to 40 days).

Coronavirus: How to manage ‘social distancing’ in store

Find out more on our coronavirus information hub for retailers