The government says it has made a deal to restart production of carbon dioxide (CO2) at two UK factories.
CF Industries had halted work because of soaring gas prices. The resulting shortage led to warnings that some food and drink production could be stopped.
Why is CO2 so important to the food and drink industry?
Food grade CO2 is used in hundreds of products.
- to carbonate water, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks
- to dispense drinks and beers in pubs
- to promote the growth of plants – such as cucumbers – in greenhouses
- to stun pigs and chickens before slaughter
- for packaging meats, baby foods, fresh foods and baked products (CO2 extends shelf life by preventing bacteria)
- to keep food fresh in transport (CO2 is used in the form of dry ice and snow)
Source: Food and Drink Federation/Global Counsel
Why is there a CO2 shortage?
CF Industries produces CO2 as a by-product of its main product, fertiliser.
Its two main plants, on Teesside and in Cheshire, had stopped work because of rises in wholesale gas prices.
Because the fertiliser factories stopped working, there had been a cut of 60% of the UK’s food-grade carbon dioxide supply.
What has the government done?
It’s not clear yet what incentives the government have offered the firm.
It could take as long as three days for the plants to start producing CO2 again at its two sites, which means there could still be further disruption to food and drink.
How is the CO2 shortage affecting food supplies?
The CO2 issue has escalated quickly and caused a “big supply issue”, one supermarket executive told the BBC.
“The big meat suppliers are saying they have two to three days’ supply and are now having to prioritise how they use what they have,” he said.
Ranjit Singh Boparan – owner of the Bernard Matthews poultry brand and 2 Sisters Food Group – said the shortage was a “body blow” to the industry.
The Food and Drink Federation, stressed the UK was not going to run out of food, but there would be “major concerns” over supply to supermarkets and other food outlets.
It said: “The knock-on effects of this may well be felt right the way through to the end of the year and particularly over the key Christmas trading period.”
What else is CO2 used for?
Remaining UK carbon dioxide production is being prioritised for medical uses.
It is used during some invasive surgeries to stabilise body cavities, to stimulate breathing and to get rid of warts and moles.
CO2 is also used by the nuclear industry as a coolant.
And it is used commercially in fire extinguishers, for inflating life rafts and life jackets, and as a liquid solvent.
Wasn’t there a CO2 shortage in 2018?
Yes there was – caused by a usual summer drop in production, and a heatwave which increased demand for drinks and frozen products.
What is CO2?
At room temperature, carbon dioxide is a colourless, odourless gas.
In the Earth’s atmosphere, increased levels of CO2 contribute to global warming.
It is naturally produced when:
- humans and animals breathe
- during combustion (for example petrol and diesel in cars)
- things ferment or decompose
Its molecules have one carbon and two oxygen atoms, which is why its chemical formula is CO2.