Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the shortage in the production of sodium hypochlorite on food production; and what steps he plans to take to alleviate any such impact.

Sodium hypochlorite is a key input into the food system and is used as a cleaning product during the food production process. Along with other critical inputs to the food supply chain, Defra monitors the supply of sodium hypochlorite and stands ready to act if needed should an issue arise. To date, the reduced supply of sodium hypochlorite has been mitigated by industry through the various alternatives available depending on intended use.

The day-to-day supply of sodium hypochlorite is a commercial matter for industry and they are well versed in responding to shortages without delay and the least amount of disruption to the public. Defra works closely with industry to monitor supply issues relating to both food products and critical inputs in the food system. Defra further works to encourage diverse and resilient supply chains to protect consumers and businesses.