Give 'em some air (CO2)!

Concerns over animal welfare have been raised in the U.K. due to possible upcoming shortages of CO2. Yes, that's right: it is needed for the slaughter of pigs and poultry. But CF Industries announced last week that it intends to close its last remaining fertilizer plant at Billingham.

• Ammonia producers in Italy and Germany have also cut production and sent European food and drink companies scrambling to secure tightening supplies.

Without sufficient CO2 supplies, the U.K. will potentially face an animal welfare issue with a mounting number of pigs and poultry unable to be sent for processing.

• All things considered, it seems the government can no longer sit on the sidelines and will need to intervene.