CO2 supply issues may trigger meat shortage, processing industry warns

Carbon dioxide supplies could take up to three weeks to return to normal with key gas producers on shutdown

Supplies of carbon dioxide (CO₂) may not return to normal levels for another two to three weeks - triggering likely shortages of meat for UK shoppers - the processing industry has warned.

The production of crumpets, beer, fizzy drinks, fresh chicken and pork have been affected by shortages of CO₂ over the past two weeks, amid longer than expected shutdowns at ammonia and ethanol plants - key producers of the gas - in the UK and also across Europe.