Potential CO2 shortages presents risk to pork sector

The pork sector has warned that any potential CO2 shortage could create challenges for meat processors, due to its use in the slaughter process for pigs.

The UK depends on imports of CO2 and the government has reportedly been preparing for a potential “worst case scenario” in which conflict in the Middle East disrupts supply routes.

However, ministers have since reiterated that shortages are not a concern “at this moment”.

See also: UK finished pig prices fall to three-year low

The National Pig Association (NPA) warned that any disruption to processing could have serious on-farm consequences, with pigs unable to move through the supply chain.

NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said: “If the production and therefore availability of carbon dioxide is restricted, we would expect this to impact supply and result in difficulties moving pigs off farm, with potential welfare implications.”

She added: “For farmers specifically, they will need to house and feed constantly growing pigs at a time when input prices are increasing, and the price paid for their pigs is falling.

“We currently have a significant number of pigs already backed up on farm as a result of abattoir issues at the end of last year.”

The British Meat Processors Association said CO2 is critical for the humane slaughter of pigs and warned that without adequate supply processing could grind to a halt, leading to further backlogs.

However, it added there was “no immediate concern” over supplies and that the sector had worked to diversify sources following previous shortages.

Karen Betts, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation, said: “The UK’s food and drink manufacturers are agile and resilient, and consumers should not be concerned about shortages.

“However, the war in the Middle East is causing supply chain disruption which is starting to push up manufacturing costs, including for energy, road and sea freight, packaging and some commodities.”

Domestic supplies

The Ensus UK bioethanol plant in Teesside, which produces CO2, has reportedly reopened after closing last September.

The plant received £100m in government support in March to help secure supply. Industry minister Chris McDonald said it must remain ready to restart at short notice in the event of a shortage.

He added the government is working to diversify long-term supply and reduce exposure to global shocks.