Whitehall warns Iran crisis could trigger UK food shortages within weeks - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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Whitehall warns Iran crisis could trigger UK food shortages within weeks - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
"The assessment predicts that CO2 availability could fall to just 18% of current levels, triggering widespread disruption across the food supply chain. CO2 plays a crucial role in extending the shelf life of packaged goods, including meat, salads, and baked products."
"Officials fear that the impact would first be felt in agriculture and hospitality before spreading to supermarket shelves, resulting in reduced product choice rather than outright shortages."
"Much of the UK's CO2 is derived as a by-product of ammonia and fertiliser production, both of which are highly sensitive to gas prices, creating a sudden and severe shortfall."
"Healthcare has been identified as the top priority for allocating limited supplies, as CO2 is vital for producing dry ice, which is essential for medical applications."
A confidential assessment warns of potential shortages in chicken, pork, and other supermarket staples in Britain if tensions in the Middle East escalate. The assessment, codenamed 'Exercise Turnstone', predicts a significant drop in CO2 availability, crucial for food preservation and humane slaughter. If the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, CO2 levels could plummet to 18% of current levels, disrupting the food supply chain and impacting agriculture, hospitality, and the brewing industry. Healthcare will be prioritized for CO2 allocation due to its importance in producing dry ice.
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