Rioting and looting is a looming threat if the cold chain is disrupted and the government has failed to take steps to protect temperature-controlled goods in times of crisis, according to the sector.

The Cold Chain Federation (CCF) has issued a warning saying the failure to recognise the supply chain’s critical importance in distributing essential goods such as medicines and perishable foods means the country has set itself up for chaos.

It said 50% of all food supplied to the UK consumer was temperature-controlled and if this supply was not protected there would be severe shortages during external threats.

The CCF said Covid-19, Brexit and extreme weather brought about through climate change had starkly exposed the fragility of food supplies and it was compounded by the reality of declining food production in the UK, as well as across the globe.

The trade association outlined its concerns to ministers this week and discussed the steps it believed needed to be taken to fortify the cold chain against future challenges.

It has demanded that the sector is recognised as critical national infrastructure and called for a review of its resilience, with the development of a disaster recovery plan.

Phil Pluck, CCF chief executive, said: “The cold chain is the backbone of a healthy society, guaranteeing the safety and quality of food, medicine, and plants.

“However, it is confronted with escalating challenges, and the government must urgently recognise its critical role.

“Food shortages yield two specific outcomes: skyrocketing food inflation and social unrest.

“We cannot afford to be complacent and assume that food supply in the UK is secure. The cold chain sector operates tirelessly to deliver food and medicine to consumers and healthcare providers. We all face serious repercussions if energy or logistical disruptions occur at these vital facilities.”

The federation said severe food shortages could occur unless the supply chain is strengthened.

The federation said severe food shortages could occur unless the supply chain is strengthened

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