The National Audit Office (NAO) has raised alarms about the UK’s preparedness for food supply shocks, urging the government to enhance resilience against climate change, disease, and cyber threats. With over a third of the UK’s food imported, the reliance on a few key ports makes the supply chain particularly susceptible to disruptions.
Despite some efforts by the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra), the NAO’s report indicates that more proactive measures are needed. It suggests that the government should engage more with households and businesses to develop emergency plans, as many Britons are less prepared than their European counterparts.
The report follows previous supply chain pressures during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict, which tested the system’s limits. While supermarkets managed to maintain stock levels, concerns remain about the private sector’s ability to cope with future shocks without government support.
Industry representatives have called for critical infrastructure status for cold storage and transport hubs to ensure their operational continuity during outages. The NAO emphasizes the need for better collaboration and planning to safeguard the food supply chain against increasing risks.
Source: The Guardian
