UK food supply faces growing risks as industry urges government action

The UK’s food supply chain faces increasing risks from cyberattacks, extreme weather, fuel shortages, and global trade disruptions, prompting industry leaders to call on the government to make food security an immediate national priority. The Cold Chain Federation (CCF), which represents businesses responsible for storing and transporting temperature-sensitive food and pharmaceuticals, warned that Britain’s heavy reliance on imported food leaves the country vulnerable to supply interruptions.

Phil Pluck, chief executive of the CCF, said the potential for a major food crisis remains significant, citing growing threats ranging from geopolitical conflicts and border delays to flooding, heatwaves, and cyberattacks targeting critical logistics infrastructure. The federation noted that more than one-third of the UK’s food is imported, with much of it entering through just four major ports. Recent disruptions, including produce shortages in 2023 and supply shocks following the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have highlighted weaknesses in the system.

The CCF is urging ministers to designate cold storage facilities and food transport hubs as critical national infrastructure, a move it says would help protect operations during power outages and other emergencies. The organization has also called for permanent essential-worker status for employees at major cold-storage and logistics facilities and for greater government oversight of food supply resilience. The UK government said the food sector is already recognized as critical national infrastructure and highlighted ongoing investments in agricultural technology, climate-resilient crops, and measures aimed at strengthening domestic food production.

Sources: The Guardian