Co-op fears shortage

Further research by British co-operative First Milk has confirmed fears of a milk shortage in the UK from late October.
An extended survey, which included one in 15 of First Milk’s members, showed that the overall effects of the foot and mouth outbreak are expected to lead to a loss of 6% of production in the pre-Christmas period and more than 7% in January 2002.
While there is said to be no question of a shortage of fresh milk to consumers, First Milk forecasts serious potential supply problems in the processing sector.