London, UK: Adjusting frozen food storage temperature guidelines across the supply chain is one of nine key points in the British Frozen Food Federation’s manifesto for the next government.
Rupert Ashby, chief executive, British Frozen Food Federation, said: “Our industry has a key role to play in tackling several of the key challenges that will be on the new government’s agenda. Easing the cost of living crisis, for example, encouraging healthier lifestyles, and meeting the UK’s environmental targets.”
BFFF’s nine-point manifesto calls for reforms and initiatives to make frozen foods more affordable and accessible, drive innovation, reduce regulatory burdens and enhance public perception.
Key points include:
- Enhancing sustainability: Adjusting storage temperature guidelines across the supply chain to boost the industry’s sustainability credentials
- Supporting energy efficiency: Providing tax incentives and subsidies for companies investing in energy-efficient freezing and refrigeration equipment to lower carbon footprints and energy costs
- Promoting frozen food: Campaigns to educate the public on the health, convenience, affordability and sustainability of frozen foods, countering misconceptions about their quality compared to fresh products
- Reducing food waste: Highlighting the role of frozen food in minimising food waste, which accounts for 10% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, due to its longer shelf life and manufacturing efficiencies
- Simplifying regulations: Streamlining food labelling and packaging regulations to reduce complexity and costs for manufacturers and consumers
- Revising the plastic packaging tax: Addressing the challenges posed by the low availability of food-grade recycled plastic, which impacts manufacturers striving to meet recycling targets
- Encouraging innovation: Offering incentives for research and development in freezing technologies to improve consumer experiences and extend product shelf life
- Streamlining trade processes: Reducing the administrative and financial burdens associated with importing and exporting, ensuring robust infrastructure to support trade
- Investing in workforce training: Enhancing training programs and apprenticeships, and revising the Shortage Occupation List to include seasonal workers to alleviate labour shortages in the food supply chain.
