Britain’s food security is at risk as the ongoing conflict with Iran could lead to food shortages including chicken and pork by the summer.
The administration has drafted a “worst-case scenario” contingency plan to deal with potential food supply disruptions, according to a government source with knowledge of the matter and reported by the BBC.
The plan focuses on keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed for a long period of time. A primary concern for the domestic food chain is the subsequent decline in the supply of carbon dioxide, which is used in food preservation and animal slaughter.
Some food sector leaders have raised concerns about inflationary pressures rather than food shortages.
The British Poultry Council also assured that the government will establish contingencies for CO2 if US-Iran influence extends that far.
Chief executive Richard Griffiths said, “Our members have not reported any difficulties so far, but we are monitoring the situation closely.”
The British Retail Consortium, on the other hand, said the government should make contingency plans for all scenarios given the constraints faced by retailers.
Speaking to Sky News, Business Secretary Peter Kyle played down concerns about CO2.
“For now, people should continue as they are,” he said.
Tesco CEO Ken Murphy confirmed that growers, manufacturers and suppliers have not yet reported any supply chain disruptions.
“At this time we are not reporting any issues with our supply chain… We are not seeing any availability issues. We are in a very good position,” he said. However, he declined to comment on future food prices in view of the “volatile, unpredictable situation.”
Last month, Britain decided to support the country’s vital CO2 supply by temporarily restarting the Ansus bioethanol plant.
An Ensus spokesperson said, “We are confident that we can continue to produce CO2 for the country’s needs in the near future.”
