As the foodservice industry started to brace itself for the continuing CO2 shortage, it appears that fears were unfounded, although we're not quite out of the woods yet.
An spokesperson from the Food & Drink Federation (FDF) has explained the situation, “We understand that a number of the plants, which were down due to maintenance or repair, have now resumed CO2 production.
'However, due to the length of supply disruption we believe we are likely to see an ongoing impact on the choice of food and drink products available to consumers.
'We will continue to monitor the situation closely and hope to be able to establish when normal service will resume.”
CO2 is widely used in the food processing and drinks industries. It puts the fizz into beer, cider and soft drinks, and is used in food packaging to extend the shelf life of salads, fresh meat and poultry.
The gas is also used to stun pigs and chickens before slaughter, and create dry ice to help keep things chilled while in transit.
(image: pixabay)