York Uni report warns UK food system vulnerabilities could lead to crisis
New report outlines risks and preventative measures
Last updated 5th Feb 2026
A new report has highlighted the potential for major disruptions that could lead to a food crisis in the UK, along with recommendations to prevent such scenarios.
The report, conducted by 39 food system experts from the University of York, Anglia Ruskin University and others, examines how shocks like sudden price hikes or food shortages could exacerbate vulnerabilities within the UK's food system, increasing the risk of social unrest.
Recent incidents, including cyber-attacks on major retailers and price shocks from the war in Ukraine, have exposed the UK's reliance on fragile, just-in-time networks. Experts warn that long-term structural weaknesses could leave the nation vulnerable unless addressed.
Identified risks and preventative measures
The report, published in the journal Sustainability, explores the potential impact of major international conflicts, which could disrupt trade, surge energy prices, interfere with agricultural and food supply chains, and raise food costs.
It says rising prices could disproportionately hurt low-income households, heightening food insecurity and potentially fuelling social tensions, food fraud, and sales on the black market leading to food-related illnesses. Worst-case scenarios could see public trust in government and businesses deteriorate, resulting in unrest or riots.
Researchers recommend key interventions, including boosting UK energy security, diversifying food value chains, and promoting more resilient diets to mitigate these risks.
Triggers and systemic weaknesses
The study also examines other triggers, such as cyber attacks or extreme weather events, that could lead to cascading food crises.
Professor Sarah Bridle, Chair of Food, Climate and Society at the University of York, emphasized the importance of building resilience:
“The stability of the UK’s food system is a critical aspect of national security. While we can’t always prevent future shocks, we can build resilience to withstand them, and stop a bad situation from becoming a crisis."
Professor Aled Jones, Director of the Global Sustainability Institute at Anglia Ruskin University, added:
“The potential for events to trigger a food crisis is frequently underestimated. Policymakers must adopt a long-term perspective to policy planning and work across departments and food system stakeholders to ensure a whole-systems approach to addressing the problems.”