The Cold Chain Federation (CCF) has formally reached out to Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner MP, urging immediate measures to establish a robust resilience plan for the food and pharmaceutical sectors in the UK.
The CCF’s letter clearly outlines “critical vulnerabilities” in the nation’s food supply chains, which have been exacerbated by a combination of global disruptions and ongoing climate challenges. This situation demands urgent attention and action from authorities.
The Importance of the Cold Chain Infrastructure
The letter emphasizes that over 50% of all food consumed in the UK is either chilled or frozen. This statistic highlights the significance of the cold chain infrastructure, which encompasses around 450 temperature-controlled warehouses and 100,000 temperature-controlled vehicles. This complex network is not just important; it is considered critical national infrastructure. Additionally, the fact that almost 50% of the UK’s food is imported further underscores the necessity for a resilient cold chain to ensure national security and public health.
Phil Pluck, the CEO of the CCF, emphasized the importance of recognizing the cold chain’s role in maintaining the nation’s food and pharmaceutical supply. He stated, “Our sector is the backbone of the UK’s food and pharmaceutical supply, yet we lack a coherent national resilience plan. The lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, where our workers bravely kept the nation supplied, must not be forgotten.”
He further urged for immediate recognition of the cold chain as Critical National Infrastructure, saying it is essential for safeguarding the UK against future crises.
Pressing Issues Facing the Supply Chain
The Federation identified several urgent challenges that need addressing:
- Food Insecurity: A recent report by Professor Tim Lang for the National Preparedness Commission indicated that the UK currently has no comprehensive plan to ensure food availability during a crisis. This shortcoming could lead to civil unrest within days should food supplies be compromised.
- Global Food Supplies: Increased trade restrictions, geopolitical tensions, and climate incidents create “unprecedented uncertainty” in the movement of global perishable goods. As a result, the UK’s food imports and exports are at heightened risk.
- Climate Effects: Climate change is diminishing food productivity in the UK, necessitating an increased focus on the storage of perishable goods. Moreover, climate challenges can severely affect temperature-controlled facilities by compromising grid stability and putting pressure on refrigeration systems.
- Energy Grid Supplies: Cold storage facilities consume significant energy, operating at extremely low temperatures, such as -25°C for food and -80°C for critical vaccines. The lack of prioritization of cold storage during energy blackouts poses a severe risk, as chilled and frozen products can spoil rapidly. While the industry is investing in renewable energy, issues with grid connections hinder further advancements.
- Cyber Crime: Recent incidents involving major retailers have highlighted the growing threat of cybercrime, which could potentially compromise the supply of food and pharmaceuticals if critical companies are targeted simultaneously.
CCF’s Call to Action
The Cold Chain Federation is urging the UK Government to take several decisive steps:
- Designate the Cold Chain as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI): This designation would facilitate closer collaboration to protect national resilience.
- Include the Cold Chain Federation in the Food and Drink Sector Council: Given the Federation’s expertise in sustainability, advancements toward net-zero emissions, and food supply resilience, their inclusion is essential for the Council’s initiatives.
- Ensure Cross-Departmental Recognition: The Federation seeks a ministerial portfolio within the Cabinet Office to acknowledge the interconnected nature of the cold chain and its relevance across various departments.
- Accelerate the Adoption of Renewable Energy: The Federation requests government support in pressing grid operators to resolve connection issues, thereby enabling investment in self-sufficient renewable energy systems without requiring direct government funding.
Conclusion
The Cold Chain Federation is not merely seeking government funding. Instead, it calls for a collaborative partnership aimed at safeguarding the UK’s essential supply chains. The organization stands ready to work with the government to quickly develop and implement a viable resilience plan for both food and pharmaceuticals. The time for action is now, as the UK’s food and pharmaceutical sectors depend on it.
