Woolworths will resume using an abattoir in South Australia's south-east to process its meat after a short suspension sparked by COVID-19 safety concerns.
The Teys meatworks at Naracoorte has been the site of a major outbreak in which about 140 people have been infected with coronavirus.
Earlier this month, management instructed employees they were still expected to come to work if they tested positive to COVID-19 unless they were "feeling unwell".
That decision was approved by SA Health, which confirmed that "a small group of critical staff" who were asymptomatic with COVID-19 would continue working there to preserve food security.
Representatives from the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) voiced concerns online about the directive and called for Woolworths to take action.
On Sunday, Woolworths suspended processing of its meat at the plant, saying it wanted to "understand the protocols currently in place for their team and operations".
On Tuesday, Woolworths confirmed it would resume processing at the Naracoorte abattoir from Friday.
"After consultation with Teys, SA Health and Safework SA, we are satisfied that the COVID management protocols in place at the Naracoorte site meet the relevant health requirements," a Woolworths spokesperson said.
"We continue to work with all our meat supply partners to prioritise COVID safety and provide quality Australian meat to our customers.
"Together, we are working to move as much stock through the supply chain as possible to meet our customers' needs during this challenging time."
Teys Australia posted on its website that it welcomed Woolworths' announcement.
"The health and safety of our people is our first priority. At all times, our Naracoorte facility has operated to the highest standards and in line with the requirements of SA Health and Worksafe SA."
In line with SA Health protocol, Teys Australia has said there will be no employees working at the site who have tested positive within the past seven days.
Also, any employee who has tested positive must have met a minimum of seven days in isolation, be feeling well and asymptomatic to be eligible for return to work under SA Health's requirements.
According to company, employees returning to work under these requirements will work and have their meal breaks separately from other workers and must return home immediately after their shift is complete.
