Chicken Supplies

The government and the British Poultry Council (BPC) are working to ensure supplies of chicken for wholesale and retail will continue despite the problems affecting supplies.

The main problem is the shortage of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas which is used to stun chickens and other animals before slaughter. Additionally, the gas is used in the packaging process. Most CO2 is produced as a by-product of fertiliser manufacture, much of which was suspended due to the dramatic rise in gas prices. Added to those problems is a serious shortage of lorry drivers to deliver the products.

In the last few days the government's Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng provided financial support to continue fertiliser production and CO2 but there are reports that some meat producers have started using their old electrical stunning equipment. It is a slower process and staff have to be re-trained to use it properly.

For more information see the government announcement and the British Poultry Council.