UK: Contrary to popular belief, new research suggests that frozen food is responsible for less CO2 emissions than chilled food.
A new scientific report by Bristol-based Refrigeration Developments and Testing Ltd, calculated the carbon dioxide equivalent for a typical UK Sunday roast meal for four people based on the carbon emissions of the food from post-harvest/slaughter to consumption. Researchers found that a frozen meal for a family of four produced just over 3% less CO2 than its identical chilled counterpart.

Over 40 academic papers were referenced to ascertain the emissions data from chicken, peas, carrots, and roast potato 'cold chains'. The report studies the emissions from waste, refrigerants, processing, storage, retail and domestic transport, storage and cooking.

Emissions from all sources considered in the study calculated that a chilled meal for four persons was equivalent to 6.546kg CO2e compared to a frozen meal for four at only 6.329kg CO2e. Across all of food types tested, all but chicken (1486kg CO2e for chilled compared to 1626 for frozen) had lower CO2e than their chilled counterpart.

Lead researcher on the study Judith Evans said: 'This report goes some way to debunking the commonly held assumption that producing, storing and consuming frozen food is more energy intensive than chilled products. A thorough and rigorous review of the scientific evidence found, within the boundaries considered, frozen to be less CO2 intensive - especially when considering carbon dioxide produced from waste.'

Brian Young, director General of British Frozen Food Federation said: 'For a long time frozen has been seen as a poor relation to chilled in terms of quality, nutrition and environmental friendliness. Misconceptions around quality and nutritional have recently been overturned - and this 'world first' CO2 report substantiates the fact that frozen compares favourably to chilled in its 'green' credentials.'