Carbon dioxide is widely used in the meat industry

The UK’s last fertiliser plant will halt production raising concerns it could lead to a shortage of carbon dioxide (CO2) for the food and drink industry.

CF Fertilisers said soaring energy costs made production “uneconomical” at its ammonia plant near Middlesbrough.

Its by-product, CO2, is used in the slaughter of pigs and chickens as well as in food packaging and fizzy drinks.

The government said it was examining options to secure UK CO2 production.

In September 2021 the government stepped in to meet the cost of running the plant after its shutdown due to high gas prices threatened food supplies.

[—] itp., itd]