A food grade carbon dioxide (CO2) shortage is set to have a major impact on the UK meat processing and manufacturing industry.
The UK has been hardest hit by the lack of food grade liquid CO2 - with only one major producer operating. According to the publication Gasworld the supply situation affecting the European carbon dioxide market is ‘the worst for decades’.
The ongoing heatwave in Europe and additional consumption of carbonated drinks and beers brought about by both the hot weather and the football world cup, continues to be a major contributor affecting demand for food grade liquid CO2.
Many users of CO2 especially UK food manufacturers and, in particular, carbonated drinks producers, are desperate for supplies of the product.
Gasworld reported that the problems were largely a consequence of at least five gas producers across northern Europe shutting down plants for maintenance during the spring and early summer months, as they prepare to focus on fertiliser output.
In addition the report confirms that other sites have suffered from breakdowns which could not have happened at a worse time, as these plants generally pick up gas production to compensate for the start of the ammonia-based fertiliser manufacturing period.
The shortage of food grade carbon dioxide directly Impacts on the meat slaughtering sector, and widely affects food processing and those products requiring gas flushed packaging.
Food trade organisations are meeting with Defra today [Tuesday] in an attempt to clarify the position and to discuss how long the shortage is likely to last.
Industry commentators believe the UK government will now have to prioritise on the supply situation, making medical use and nuclear safety its top priority. Food and meat processing will likely be in the next tier down.
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
