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London — The UK food industry has called on the government to subsidize the production of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the event of rising gas prices or to risk the country’s meat industry collapsing.
Soaring gas prices have closed two UK fertilizer plants, eliminating food producers of CO2 by-products used to stun animals and extend the shelf life of food before slaughter.
The shortage of CO2, which is also used to add fizz to beer, cider and soft drinks, is at a terrible time for the food industry, which is already facing a serious shortage of truck drivers and the effects of Brexit and COVID- 19.
Nick Allen of the British Meat Processors Association said on Saturday that the pig sector was two weeks away before hitting the buffer, but the British Poultry Council said that suppliers can only guarantee deliveries of up to 24, so members He said it was on the “knife edge”. A few hours ago.
Business Minister Kwasi Kwaten was scheduled to meet with the leaders of Britain’s largest energy suppliers and operators on Saturday to discuss the situation. He said he did not anticipate a supply emergency this year due to the variety of sources.
But the food industry said it needed more help.
“Doing nothing is not an option,” Allen told Reuters, and given the exceptional circumstances, the government either subsidizes electricity to sustain fertilizer production or CO2 from elsewhere. He added that he needed to procure.
British Poultry Council Secretary Richard Griffiths said he is working with the government to assess inventory levels and implement emergency response plans, but food supply disruptions could be a national security issue. I warned that there was.
A lack of CO2 in a slaughterhouse leaves pigs and chickens on the farm, creating additional problems for animal welfare, food supply and food waste. “I hope that the government’s swift action can avoid this.”
A spokeswoman said the government is in close contact with the food and agriculture industry to help manage it.
Kate Holton
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