Iceland apologises for telling NHS staff they must 'buy anything they touch'

Iceland has apologised for telling customers that NHS staff must buy any items they touch in stores to avoid contamination.

The statement has since been deleted from the supermarket's website after backlash on social media, Devon Live reports.

Like many other shops, Iceland branches have set up special arrangements for healthcare staff helping treat patients during the coronavirus pandemic.

This includes allowing an hour solely for NHS staff to visit their local branch and do their shopping.

However, a message appeared on the coronavirus help section of Iceland's website, under the title "How will you be protecting your staff?".

This is the controversial message that appeared on Iceland's website, which has since been deleted (Unknown)

It stated that if NHS workers touched a product they would "have to buy them", and would not be allowed to put it back in order to "reduce the risk of contamination".

Healthcare workers criticised the message online, pointing out that they wear protective clothing and disinfect their hands regularly during shifts.

Dr Mike (@EmergMedDr) tweeted to Iceland: "NHS workers don't have filthy hands. We wash our hands better than the vast majority. We are not second class citizens.

"Your policy, makes me never want to go into your store again. This is horrible and discriminatory."

A paramedic tweeted: "Thank you for assuming I am contaminated and dirty Iceland.

"No matter that NHS workers actually have BETTER hand hygiene practices and understand how to use PPE properly (unlike the rest of the British public). I’ll continue washing my hands and use another store. Ta."

Another ambulance worker, Charlotte Durham, tweeted: "I am so upset that we at the NHS can work so flipping hard, putting our lives at risk, to be made out to be dirty and infected by ⁦Iceland.

"We are most probably cleaner than their average shopper! But don’t worry, the NHS won’t be back in."

The supermarket, which has five stores across Bristol, has since deleted the message on its website and issued an apology.

A spokesperson for the supermarket said: "This was an error and should not have been posted on our website.

"We sincerely apologise for the offence this has clearly caused, and have immediately withdrawn this guidance.

"We are deeply grateful to the NHS and all key workers for everything they are doing to keep the country running.”