Businesses at risk as they restart after the volcano?

Lots of food was stored, and will have inevitably been expiring whilst waiting to be delivered, and many food production lines will have been temporarily halted, all due to the disruption caused by the Iceland volcano ash cloud. The risk of contamination as these processes are restarted is a bit of a worry.

Shoppers should also cease worrying about food shortages and stop panic buying! The word from the supermarkets is there might be a shortage of Figs and Limes in the UK. So next time someone offers you a lime in your drink, might be best to decline ‘out of respect for the volcano’.


Mike

Dear Mike,

Thks for the interesting thoughts.I wonder if the lack of figs was caused by an initial "run" on prunes.

Rgds / Charles.C

For me all of this highlights the importance of business continuity planning. Ok, an ash cloud was probably not something most people would have predicted but widespread airline travel disruption is predictable considering we had it with 9/11, this year's snow and strikes.

Ok spoilage is probably one of the main food issues (I noticed when ordering my shopping online this week that there were very few legumes available as you'd expect) but what about the contracts with these third world producers? If the supermarkets take their usual stance with their suppliers, ie you didn't supply so I'm not paying you and fining you even if it wasn't your fault, how many of their suppliers will still exist?! If it had happened later in the year, would the supermarkets (shock horror) sourced items like green beans from the UK????

For me all of this highlights the importance of business continuity planning. Ok, an ash cloud was probably not something most people would have predicted but widespread airline travel disruption is predictable considering we had it with 9/11, this year's snow and strikes.

Ok spoilage is probably one of the main food issues (I noticed when ordering my shopping online this week that there were very few legumes available as you'd expect) but what about the contracts with these third world producers? If the supermarkets take their usual stance with their suppliers, ie you didn't supply so I'm not paying you and fining you even if it wasn't your fault, how many of their suppliers will still exist?! If it had happened later in the year, would the supermarkets (shock horror) sourced items like green beans from the UK????

I couldn't agree more, you are absolutely right.

Mike

EFSA issues scientific advice on short-term risks for food and feed safety in the EU following Iceland volcano eruption - Click to Read

If it had happened later in the year, would the supermarkets (shock horror) sourced items like green beans from the UK????

God forbid that we have restrictions to not only seasonal fruit and vegetables, but those sourced from the UK too!!