Christmas was ruined for many Brits last year as Covid restrictions prevented large family groups from gathering. Now Christmas this year is in doubt as celebrations could be cancelled for the second year due to food shortages. Here are the latest warnings from industry insiders.

       This summer many popular products have been absent from supermarket shelves due to supply chain issues.

       Now food industry leaders are warning the situation could worsen over the Christmas period.

       A lack of delivery drivers and growing labour shortages have been blamed on supply chain issues.

       But now soaring fuel prices could threaten “national food security” this winter.

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       Shortages of meat and other fresh food could hit supermarkets within weeks.

       Soaring fuel prices have prompted CF Industries a US fertilizer manufacturer to halt the production of carbon dioxide (CO2).

       This has consequently turned off most of the food and drink industry’s supply of (CO2).

       CO2 is essential in the processing of fresh meat, shortages of it could prevent animals from being slaughtered in the UK.

       This will likely lead to shortages of fresh meat on supermarket shelves.

       CO2 is used to stun animals for slaughter, as well as being used in packaging to extend the shelf life of fresh, chilled and baked goods.

       The Gas is also essential for the production of fizzy drinks.

       British Meat Processors Association (BMPA) CEO Nick Allen said in a statement: "This crisis highlights the fact that the British food supply chain is at the mercy of a small number of major fertilizer producers (four or five companies) spread across northern Europe.”

       He later told the BBC: “Retailers are really concerned about it.”

       British Poultry Council CEO Richard Griffiths said in a statement: ”With fewer than 100 days to go until Christmas, and already facing mounting labour shortages, the last thing British poultry production needs is more pressure.”

       But Richard Walker, managing director of supermarket chain Iceland Foods, had an even stronger warning for consumers.

       He said the food security crisis “is not an issue that’s months away”, but it is unfolding right now.

       Mr Walker told the BBC: “This is no longer about whether Christmas will be okay, it's about keeping the wheels turning and the lights on so that we can actually get to Christmas.”

       He added: ”This is not an issue that's months away."

       Despite the Prime Minister’s recent assurances, the Government is doing all it could to sort out supply chain issues, concerns over food shortages are growing.