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Australia’s IV fluids shortage will likely last all year. Here’s what that means for surgeries

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stuart-marshall-1115779">Stuart Marshall</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> The current <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/about-IV-fluids-shortages">shortage of sterile intravenous (IV) fluids</a> is a serious ongoing concern for doctors across Australia. During surgery, these sterile fluids are essential to administer drugs and hydrate patients intravenously (via the veins). But supplies of two of the most common solutions are critically low. The Australian government has recently moved to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/aug/16/australia-iv-fluid-shortage-government-distribution">coordinate supplies</a> of IV fluids to increase manufacturing and ensure distribution. Despite this, supplies are not expected to return to normal levels <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-08/joint-statement-on-iv-fluids-health-ministers-meeting-16-august-2024.pdf">until the end of the year</a>. So, what will this mean for surgery in Australia? And are there any alternatives? <h2>Why do we need IV fluids for surgery?</h2> IV fluids are used before, during and after surgery to maintain blood volume and the body’s normal functions. They also combat dehydration, which can happen in a number of ways. Before surgery, patients may become dehydrated from illnesses that cause vomiting or diarrhoea. They are also asked to stop eating and drinking for several hours before surgery. This is to minimise the risk of stomach contents being regurgitated and inhaled into the lungs – a <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21954-aspiration-pneumonia">complication that can cause injury or death</a>. But it can also make them more dehydrated. During surgery, the body continues to lose fluid through normal processes such as sweating and making urine. But some aspects of surgery also exacerbate dehydration, for example, through blood loss or when internal organs are exposed and lose more fluid through evaporation. After the operation, IV fluids may be required for some days. Many patients may still be unable to eat and drink until the function of the gut returns to normal. Multiple research studies, including <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1801601">a trial </a>of 3,000 patients who underwent major abdominal surgery, have demonstrated the importance of adequate fluid therapy throughout all stages of surgery to avoid kidney damage. Apart from hydration, these sterile fluids – prepared under strict conditions so they contain no bacteria or viruses – are used in surgery for other reasons. Anaesthetists commonly use fluid infusions to slowly deliver medications into the bloodstream. There is some evidence this method of maintaining anaesthesia, compared to inhalation, can improve patients’ experience of “waking up” after the procedure, <a href="https://medcast.com.au/blog/total-intravenous-anaesthesia-tiva">such as being clearer headed and having less nausea and vomiting</a>. Surgeons also use sterile fluids to flush out wounds and surgical sites to prevent infection. <h2>Are there workarounds?</h2> Fluid given intravenously needs to closely resemble the salts in the blood to prevent additional problems. The safest and cheapest options are: <ul> <li>isotonic saline, a solution of water with 0.9% table salt</li> <li>Hartmann’s solution (compound sodium lactate), which combines a range of salts such as potassium and calcium.</li> </ul> Both are <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/about-IV-fluids-shortages">in short supply</a>. One way to work around the shortage is to minimise how much IV fluid is used during the procedure. This can be achieved by ensuring those admitted to surgery are as well hydrated as possible. Many people presenting for minor surgery can safely drink water up until an hour or so before their operation. A recent initiative termed “<a href="https://associationofanaesthetists-publications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/anae.15855">sip ‘til send</a>” has shown it is safe for patients to drink small amounts of fluid until the operating theatre team “sends” for them from the waiting room or hospital ward. However, this may not be appropriate for those at higher risk of inhaling stomach contents, or patients who take medications including <a href="https://www.journal.acorn.org.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1291&context=jpn">Ozempic</a>, which delay the stomach emptying. Patients should follow their anaesthetist’s advice about how to prepare for surgery and when to stop eating and drinking. Large research trials have also helped establish protocols called “<a href="https://www.bjanaesthesia.org/article/S0007-0912(17)53976-8/fulltext">enhanced recovery after surgery</a>”. They show that using special hydrating, carbohydrate-rich drinks before surgery can improve patients’ comfort and speed up healing. These protocols are common in <a href="https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/736617/ERAS-Key-principles-for-colorectal-surgery.pdf">major bowel surgery</a> in Australia but not used universally. Widespread adoption of these processes may reduce the amount of IV fluids needed during and after large operations, and help patients return to normal eating and drinking earlier. Medications reducing nausea and vomiting are now also routinely administered after surgery to help with this. <h2>What will the shortage mean for surgeries?</h2> The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists <a href="https://www.anzca.edu.au/news/guidance-on-sparing-of-intravenous-fluid-use">has advised anaesthetists</a> to reduce the consumption of fluid during operations where there might be limited or minimal benefit. This means that the fluid will only be used for people who need it, without a change to the quality and safety of anaesthetic care for any patient. Even with these actions, there is still a chance that some planned surgeries may <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-15/iv-fluid-shortage-elective-urgery-delays/104225280">need to be postponed</a> in the coming months. If needed, these cancelled operations will likely be ones requiring large volumes of fluid and ones that would not cause unacceptable risks if delayed. Similar to cancellations during the height of the COVID pandemic, emergency operations and surgery for cancers are unlikely to be affected. Monitoring of the supplies and ongoing honest and open dialogue between senior health managers and clinicians will be crucial in minimising the disruption to surgical services.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237009/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stuart-marshall-1115779">Stuart Marshall</a>, Associate Professor, Department of Critical Care, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/australias-iv-fluids-shortage-will-likely-last-all-year-heres-what-that-means-for-surgeries-237009">original article</a>. </div>

Body

Who will look after us in our final years? A pay rise alone won’t solve aged-care workforce shortages

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stephen-duckett-10730">Stephen Duckett</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Aged-care workers will receive a significant pay increase after the Fair Work Commission <a href="https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/decisionssigned/pdf/2024fwcfb150.pdf">ruled</a> they deserved substantial wage rises of up to 28%. The federal government <a href="https://ministers.dewr.gov.au/burke/fair-work-decision-aged-care">has committed to</a> the increases, but is yet to announce when they will start. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Tens of thousands of aged care workers will receive a major pay rise after the Fair Work Commission recommended the increase. <a href="https://t.co/NeNt1Gvxd9">https://t.co/NeNt1Gvxd9</a> — SBS News (@SBSNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SBSNews/status/1768557710537068889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a></blockquote> But while wage rises for aged-care workers are welcome, this measure alone will not fix all workforce problems in the sector. The number of people over 80 is expected to <a href="https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/p2023-435150.pdf">triple over the next 40 years</a>, driving an increase in the number of aged care workers needed. <h2>How did we get here?</h2> The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which delivered its <a href="https://www.royalcommission.gov.au/aged-care/final-report">final report</a> in March 2021, identified a litany of tragic failures in the regulation and delivery of aged care. The former Liberal government was dragged reluctantly to accept that a total revamp of the aged-care system was needed. But its <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/respect-care-and-dignity-aged-care-royal-commission-452-million-immediate-response-as-government-commits-to-historic-reform-to-deliver-respect-and-care-for-senior-australians#:%7E:text=Minister%20for%20Senior%20Australians%20and,%2C%20dementia%2C%20food%20and%20nutrition.">weak response</a> left the heavy lifting to the incoming Labor government. The current government’s response started well, with a <a href="https://theconversation.com/anthony-albanese-offers-2-5-billion-plan-to-fix-crisis-in-aged-care-180419">significant injection of funding</a> and a promising regulatory response. But it too has failed to pursue a visionary response to the problems identified by the Royal Commission. Action was needed on four fronts: <ul> <li>ensuring enough staff to provide care</li> <li>building a functioning regulatory system to encourage good care and weed out bad providers</li> <li>designing and introducing a fair payment system to distribute funds to providers and</li> <li>implementing a financing system to pay for it all and achieve intergenerational equity.</li> </ul> A government taskforce which proposed a <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-will-aged-care-look-like-for-the-next-generation-more-of-the-same-but-higher-out-of-pocket-costs-225551">timid response to the fourth challenge</a> – an equitable financing system – was released at the start of last week. Consultation closed on a <a href="https://media.opan.org.au/uploads/2024/03/240308_Aged-Care-Act-Exposure-Draft-Joint-Submission_FINAL.pdf">very poorly designed new regulatory regime</a> the week before. But the big news came at end of the week when the Fair Work Commission handed down a further <a href="https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/decisionssigned/pdf/2024fwcfb150.pdf">determination</a> on what aged-care workers should be paid, confirming and going beyond a previous <a href="https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/sites/work-value-aged-care/decisions-statements/2022fwcfb200.pdf">interim determination</a>. <h2>What did the Fair Work Commission find?</h2> Essentially, the commission determined that work in industries with a high proportion of women workers has been traditionally undervalued in wage-setting. This had consequences for both care workers in the aged-care industry (nurses and <a href="https://training.gov.au/Training/Details/CHC33021">Certificate III-qualified</a> personal-care workers) and indirect care workers (cleaners, food services assistants). Aged-care staff will now get significant pay increases – 18–28% increase for personal care workers employed under the Aged Care Award, inclusive of the increase awarded in the interim decision. <figure class="align-center "><figcaption></figcaption>Indirect care workers were awarded a general increase of 3%. Laundry hands, cleaners and food services assistants will receive a further 3.96% <a href="https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/decision-summaries/2024fwcfb150-summary.pdf">on the grounds</a> they “interact with residents significantly more regularly than other indirect care employees”.</figure> The final increases for registered and enrolled nurses will be determined in the next few months. <h2>How has the sector responded?</h2> There has been no push-back from employer groups or conservative politicians. This suggests the uplift is accepted as fair by all concerned. The interim increases of up to 15% probably facilitated this acceptance, with the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-does-the-budget-mean-for-medicare-medicines-aged-care-and-first-nations-health-192842">recognition of the community</a> that care workers should be paid more than fast food workers. There was <a href="https://www.accpa.asn.au/media-releases/accpa-welcomes-further-aged-care-wage-rises">no criticism from aged-care providers</a> either. This is probably because they are facing difficulty in recruiting staff at current wage rates. And because government payments to providers reflect the <a href="https://www.ihacpa.gov.au/">actual cost of aged care</a>, increased payments will automatically flow to providers. When the increases will flow has yet to be determined. The government is due to give its recommendations for staging implementation by mid-April. <h2>Is the workforce problem fixed?</h2> An increase in wages is necessary, but alone is not sufficient to solve workforce shortages. The health- and social-care workforce is <a href="https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/data/employment-projections">predicted</a> to grow faster than any other sector over the next decade. The “care economy” will <a href="https://theconversation.com/care-economy-to-balloon-in-an-australia-of-40-5-million-intergenerational-report-211876">grow</a> from around 8% to around 15% of GDP over the next 40 years. This means a greater proportion of school-leavers will need to be attracted to the aged-care sector. Aged care will also need to attract and retrain workers displaced from industries in decline and attract suitably skilled migrants and refugees with appropriate language skills. The <a href="https://theconversation.com/demand-driven-funding-for-universities-is-frozen-what-does-this-mean-and-should-the-policy-be-restored-116060">caps on university and college enrolments</a> imposed by the previous government, coupled with weak student demand for places in key professions (such as nursing), has meant workforce shortages will continue for a few more years, despite the allure of increased wages. A significant increase in intakes into university and vocational education college courses preparing students for health and social care is still required. Better pay will help to increase student demand, but funding to expand place numbers will ensure there are enough qualified staff for the aged-care system of the future. <img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/225898/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stephen-duckett-10730">Stephen Duckett</a>, Honorary Enterprise Professor, School of Population and Global Health, and Department of General Practice and Primary Care, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/who-will-look-after-us-in-our-final-years-a-pay-rise-alone-wont-solve-aged-care-workforce-shortages-225898">original article</a>. Image: Getty

Retirement Income

Santas needed! Surprising Christmas shortage spells job openings for Aussie grandads

A nationwide Santa shortage has many shopping centres hoping for a Christmas miracle, before festive families line up in droves for a snap with Father Christmas. According to talent agency <a href="https://scenetobelieve.com.au/santa-jobs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scene to Believe</a>, who are responsible for hiring Santas in over 180 around Australia, there are not have enough applicants for Santa roles this December. The agency's head Christmas recruiter, Viviana Diaz, told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/careers/santa-jobs-go-unfilled-despite-fall-in-aussie-job-ads/news-story/de7f3c5b6d95c6f78f9718d1bb60a099" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> that the seasonal shortfall was nationwide, but the situation was more pronounced in Sydney. The company said issue has been growing over the last three years, with the problem believed to have stemmed from the Covid pandemic. Ms Diaz said that contrary to popular belief, Santas can come in all shapes, sizes and ages, and that women are also eligible to apply. “Sometimes they think they have to look like Santa,” Ms Diaz said. “But we provide a full Santa suit and they don’t have to have a real beard.” Previous experience is also not required, as Scene to Believe runs a dedicated Santa School where new incoming Santas can learn tips from experienced Santas. The company states that Santas “need to be jolly, have a great HOHOHO and enjoy working with children”, while a genuine love of the festive season, patience and compassion, and good communication skills. A current Working with Children Check and Police Check, or willingness to get these, are also important. Ms Diaz added, “Being a shopping centre Santa is a perfect job for Aussies looking to help their hip pocket come Christmas time, with flexible working arrangements and casual rates.” Experienced Santa Tony Hooper said it’s “perfect for older Australians wanting to dip their toe back into the workforce”. “Being a Santa is by far the best work I’ve ever done. It’s flexible, I work when I want and I spend my days talking to young families and getting in the festive spirit.” “It’s also a great way to earn extra cash right before Christmas, which is when I need it most. And the best part is, I can still receive my pension!” Ms Diaz said failing to fill its Santa positions was not an option, and they would do everything in their power to have a flock of Santas ready to spread Christmas cheer on December 1st. “We have to find a lot of people because Santa has to be there. We will perform a Christmas miracle!” <div> </div> Image credits: Getty Images

Retirement Income

King Charles' signature coronation dish mercilessly mocked

With the coronation comes one of the most famed traditions in the Monarchy, the creation of a signature dish, made to be shared and enjoyed across the Commonwealth in honour of the new Monarch. The Queen’s coronation made history in 1953, with the ‘Coronation Chicken’, a recipe that has since embedded itself into British culture. Charles’ crowning marks 70 years since the last coronation, and with the event coming up on May 6, the reveal of the signature dish has been highly anticipated. A culinary delight, like Queen Elizabeth II’s ‘Poulet Reine Elizabeth’, that will make its way down from generation to generation. The Royal Family verified Twitter account shared the long-awaited dish. “Introducing… Coronation Quiche!”, the tweet read. “Chosen personally by Their Majesties, The King and The Queen Consort have shared a recipe in celebration of the upcoming #CoronationBigLunch taking place up and down the country.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Introducing… Coronation Quiche! Chosen personally by Their Majesties, The King and The Queen Consort have shared a recipe in celebration of the upcoming <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronationBigLunch?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronationBigLunch</a> taking place up and down the country. <a href="https://t.co/aVcw9tNarP">pic.twitter.com/aVcw9tNarP</a> — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1647917367798939648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2023</a></blockquote> King Charles III has officially unveiled his signature coronation offering, which will be served at the palace’s ‘Big Lunch’ event on May 7, also to be served at several community events and street parties across coronation weekend. The coronation quiche recipe consists of spinach, broad beans, cheese and tarragon, although Buckingham Palace’s chef Mark Flanagan says those who want to bake their own can easily make adjustments to suit their preferences. Charles, Camilla and Flanagan chose the dish because it’s a convenient “sharing” dish that can be served either hot or cold. The coronation quiche has left a bad taste in many individuals’ mouths, going viral online and becoming quite the laughingstock for a few reasons. The most profound stems from the well-known egg shortage in the UK, with production at its lowest in over a decade, according to The Guardian. In 2022, almost a billion fewer eggs were packed compared to 2019 due to producers hit by price hikes and a disastrous outbreak of bird flu. Shoppers calling for supermarkets to stock up on the ingredients for the coronation quiche have posted online to point out the obvious issue. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> And what are we supposed to make this Coronation Quiche with? <a href="https://t.co/nEmwQGmV0e">pic.twitter.com/nEmwQGmV0e</a> — Tavern Hoyden (@TavernHoyden) <a href="https://twitter.com/TavernHoyden/status/1648034778032009219?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The UK: - There's a shortage of eggs in the supermarkets. Royal Family: - The "Coronation Quiche". <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronationBigLunch?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronationBigLunch</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coronationquiche?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coronationquiche</a> <a href="https://t.co/xjEtjiUCuS">pic.twitter.com/xjEtjiUCuS</a> — Pauline (@tlnlndn) <a href="https://twitter.com/tlnlndn/status/1648016686937776128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2023</a></blockquote> Aside from supply shortages, many people decided the egg pie wasn’t very fitting. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> whats the matter babe? you've hardly touched your coronation quiche <a href="https://t.co/3FZZwzMEZz">pic.twitter.com/3FZZwzMEZz</a> — Jake Johnstone (@hijakejohnstone) <a href="https://twitter.com/hijakejohnstone/status/1648083477693120512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Quiche?? For a coronation?? <a href="https://t.co/rsmwcicgZQ">https://t.co/rsmwcicgZQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/V8aKgf1ZKL">pic.twitter.com/V8aKgf1ZKL</a> — local swamp gay 🦝🦨🦉 (@localswampgay) <a href="https://twitter.com/localswampgay/status/1648094906957660161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> This is the lamest thing I’ve ever heard. Imagine having 70+ years to think about it and choosing QUICHE. I despair. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coronation?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coronation</a> <a href="https://t.co/jEeXmxP1Ss">https://t.co/jEeXmxP1Ss</a> — Julie Lovell (@ficklishjlo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ficklishjlo/status/1648094645669224452?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2023</a></blockquote> Elizabeth’s coronation saw famed culinary school Le Cordon Bleu London’s creation of the ‘Coronation Chicken’, which consisted of cooked chicken meat in a creamy curry sauce with dried apricots. It was served with a simple salad. When it was first produced the dish came as a surprise due to many of the ingredients not being pantry staples and the country was still under post-war ration restrictions. The chicken dish has evolved over the years, with it now commonly served on a brioche bun and garnished with various trimmings from crisp coconut chips to mangetout and sultanas. Quiche the ‘Coronation Chicken’ goodbye and stay occu-pied with the recipe below. Pastry: <ul> <li>125g plain flour</li> <li>Pinch of salt</li> <li>25g cold butter, diced</li> <li>25g lard</li> <li>2 tablespoons milk</li> <li>Or 1 x 250g block of ready-made shortcrust pastry</li> </ul> Filling: <ul> <li>125ml milk</li> <li>175ml double cream</li> <li>2 medium eggs</li> <li>1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon</li> <li>Salt and pepper</li> <li>100g grated cheddar cheese</li> <li>180g cooked spinach, lightly chopped</li> <li>60g cooked broad beans or soya beans</li> </ul> Method: 1. To make the pastry: sieve the flour and salt into a bowl; add the fats and rub the mixture together using your finger tips until you get a sandy, breadcrumb-like texture. Add the milk a little at a time and bring the ingredients together into a dough. Cover and allow to rest in the fridge for 30-45 minutes. 2. Lightly flour the work surface and roll out the pastry to a circle a little larger than the top of the tin and approximately 5mm thick. 3. Line the tin with the pastry, taking care not to have any holes or the mixture could leak. Cover and rest for a further 30 minutes in the fridge. 4. Preheat the oven to 190C. 5. Line the pastry case with greaseproof paper, add baking beans and bake blind for 15 minutes, before removing the greaseproof paper and baking beans. 6. Reduce the oven temperature to 160C. 7. Beat together the milk, cream, eggs, herbs and seasoning. 8. Scatter half of the grated cheese in the blind-baked base, top with the chopped spinach and beans and herbs, then pour over the liquid mixture. 9. If required gently give the mixture a delicate stir to ensure the filling is evenly dispersed but be careful not to damage the pastry case. 10. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese. Place into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until set and lightly golden. Image credits: Getty/Twitter

Food & Wine

How ‘ugly’ fruit and vegetables could tackle food waste and solve supermarket supply shortages

The world is facing a significant food waste problem, with <a href="https://www.fao.org/3/i4068e/i4068e.pdf">up to half of all fruit and vegetables</a> lost somewhere along the agricultural food chain. Globally, around <a href="https://www.fao.org/3/ca6030en/ca6030en.pdf">14% of food produced</a> is lost after harvesting but before it reaches shops and supermarkets. Alongside food prices (66%), food waste is a concern for 60% of people that participated in a <a href="https://www.food.gov.uk/research/food-and-you-2/food-and-you-2-wave-5">recent survey</a> published by the UK Food Standards Agency. <a href="https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201617/cmselect/cmenvfru/429/429.pdf">Other research</a> suggests that as much as 25% of apples, 20% of onions and 13% of potatoes grown in the UK are destroyed because they don’t look right. This means that producers’ efforts to meet stringent specifications from buyers can lead to <a href="https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201617/cmselect/cmenvfru/429/429.pdf">perfectly edible produce being discarded</a> before it even leaves the farm – simply because of how it looks. Aside from the ongoing environmental implications of this food waste, UK shoppers currently face <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/mar/04/food-tsar-blames-shortages-on-uks-weird-supermarket-culture">produce rationing in some supermarkets</a> due to <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/28/british-supermarkets-are-rationing-fruit-and-vegetables-amid-shortages.html">shortages of items like tomatoes, cucumbers and raspberries</a>. Any solutions that increase locally grown produce on shop shelves could improve the availability of fresh food, particularly in urban areas. When imperfect fruit and vegetables don’t make it to supermarket shelves, it can be due to <a href="https://cases.open.ubc.ca/insistence-on-cosmetically-perfect-fruits-vegetables/">cosmetic standards</a>. Supermarkets and consumers often prefer produce of a fairly standard size that’s free of blemishes, scars and other imperfections. This means fruit and vegetables that are misshapen, discoloured, or even too small or too large, are rejected before they make it to supermarket shelves. In recent years there has been a growing trend of selling such “ugly” fruit and vegetables, both by <a href="https://my.morrisons.com/wonky-fruit-veg/">major</a> <a href="https://www.waitrose.com/ecom/content/sustainability/food-waste">supermarket</a> <a href="https://www.tescoplc.com/news/2021/wonky-veg-5th-anniversary/">chains</a>, as well as <a href="https://wonkyvegboxes.co.uk/">speciality</a> <a href="https://www.misfitsmarket.com/?exp=plans_rollback">retailers</a> that sell <a href="https://www.oddbox.co.uk/">boxes</a> of <a href="https://etepetete-bio.de/">wonky produce</a>. And research has shown that 87% of people say they would <a href="https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/fruit-and-veg/nearly-90-of-consumers-would-eat-wonky-fruit-and-veg-according-to-new-survey/670155.article">eat wonky fruit and vegetables if they were available</a>. But other research indicates consumers can still be picky and difficult to predict. One study <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950329316302002?via%3Dihub">showed</a> consumers are likely to throw away an apple with a spot, but would eat a bent cucumber. <h2>Getting ugly produce into baskets</h2> So how can producers and retailers boost the amount of non-standard fruit and veg that not only reaches our shelves, but also our plates? <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377221723000668">Our recent research</a> suggests a separate channel for selling ugly produce would increase profits for growers, lower prices for consumers and boost overall demand for produce. For growers, a dedicated channel – either independent or set up by a supermarket – to supply wonky fruit and veg creates a new line of business. For retailers, this provides an opportunity for further revenue over and above current sales of standard produce to shops. When selling both types of product to a single retailer, the ugly items might be undervalued compared with the standard-looking products. Our research also shows that selling the ugly produce through a dedicated channel is likely to increase total demand for fruit and vegetables, while also decreasing on-farm loss. Having two parallel channels for selling produce (the main one and the dedicated “ugly” channel) would increase competition. This benefits shoppers by lowering prices for regular and ugly produce, versus selling both types of products alongside each other in one shop. On the other hand, the growing market for ugly fruit and vegetables could be an economic threat to traditional retailers. It encourages new entrants into the market and could also limit the availability of “regular” produce because growers could become less stringent about ensuring produce meets traditional cosmetic standards. But there is a way for traditional retailers to add ugly produce into their product offerings alongside other produce without affecting their profits. By building on existing consumer awareness of the environmental benefits of ugly food, they could also compete in this growing segment. This would benefit their bottom lines and help consumer acceptance of misshapen fruit and vegetables, possibly leading to less food waste and shortages like those UK shoppers are experiencing right now. Boosting demand for imperfect fruit and vegetables across the supply chain will require all participants to get involved – from grower to seller. Here are some steps the various parties could take: <h2>1. Educating consumers</h2> Education about the environmental and economic impact of food waste could happen through marketing campaigns, in-store displays and even social media. <h2>2. Reducing cosmetic standards</h2> Supermarkets and other major food retailers could revise their cosmetic standards to accept a wider range of produce, including imperfect fruit and vegetables. This would help reduce food waste by making sure more produce is able to be sold. <h2>3. Direct sales</h2> Farmers and growers could sell non-standard produce directly to consumers through farmers’ markets or subscription services. This allows consumers to purchase fresh, locally grown produce that might not meet cosmetic standards for supermarkets but that is just as nutritionally beneficial. <h2>4. Food donations</h2> Supermarkets and growers could donate produce rejected for how it looks to food banks, shelters and other organisations that serve those in need. This would help reduce food waste while also providing healthy food to those who might not otherwise have access to it. <h2>5. Value-added products</h2> Produce that doesn’t meet cosmetic standards could also be used to create other products such as soups, sauces and juices. In addition to reducing food waste, this would create new revenue streams for growers and retailers. <h2>6. Food composting</h2> Anything that cannot be sold or otherwise used should be composted. This would help reduce food waste while also creating nutrient-rich soil for future crops. By implementing these solutions, the supply chain can reduce the amount of ugly or imperfect fruit and vegetables that are wasted, while also providing consumers with healthy, affordable produce, even in times of supply chain shortages. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-ugly-fruit-and-vegetables-could-tackle-food-waste-and-solve-supermarket-supply-shortages-201216" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Images: Getty

Food & Wine

With the current national lettuce shortage, cabbage has become the next best option. Here’s why:

There are many types of cabbage and lettuce. However, a lot of people particularly mistake green cabbage (the most common type of cabbage sold at the supermarket) for iceberg lettuce due to their similar appearances. Though green cabbage and iceberg lettuce may look alike, they have completely different nutritional profiles. Both cabbage and iceberg lettuce are low in calories and deliver minimal protein, fat, and carbs. Meanwhile, green cabbage is higher in most nutrients – except vitamin A. Cabbage is also higher in minerals than iceberg lettuce. It contains more calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/manganese-benefits">manganese</a>. It also contains more fiber, a nutrient essential to digestive health Keep in mind that the table above compares only two varieties of cabbage and lettuce. Different types of lettuce and cabbage contain varying amounts of nutrients. Cabbage beats iceberg lettuce in fiber content and including either cabbage or various forms of leafy green lettuce in your diet can significantly boost your fiber intake. Both cabbage and iceberg lettuce are good sources of nutrients. However, cabbage contains significantly more vitamins and minerals than iceberg lettuce, including vitamins C and K, folate, and potassium. Green cabbage is packed with antioxidants, including polyphenol compounds and vitamin C. Antioxidants have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and help fight cellular damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.. Iceberg lettuce contains antioxidants, cabbage and other lettuce varieties like red lettuces contain much higher amounts. Incorporating vitamin-, mineral-, and <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-in-antioxidants">antioxidant-rich foods</a> into your diet can help reduce your risk of many chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart and neurodegenerative diseases It should be noted that other varieties of lettuce, such as romaine lettuce and red leaf lettuce, are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In fact, these lettuce varieties can contain higher amounts of certain nutrients than cabbage does. If you’re looking for the healthier option of the two, choose cabbage. Lettuce varieties such as red leaf lettuce and romaine are also good options. Cabbage, including green and red cabbage, is typically higher in vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds than iceberg lettuce. However, keep in mind that cabbage has a different taste and texture than lettuce, so it might not work well in certain lettuce-based recipes. Image: Getty

Food & Wine

Retailers criticised for ‘outrageous’ markups on rapid COVID tests amidst shortage

Retailers across Australia have been criticised by consumers for marking up the prices of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19, amidst increasing case numbers and a national shortage of tests. Many people around the country are struggling to find any tests at all, which is where services like <a rel="noopener" href="https://findarat.com.au/" target="_blank">Find A RAT</a> come in, helping people share information about stores that have stock, although there are only 149 listings of stores with RATs in stock, compared to 2271 listings of stores that are sold out. Of those stores that do have RATs in stock, many are charging desperate consumers an exorbitant amount for the necessary at-home testing kits. Australians have taken to social media to name and shame retailers that are charging sky-high prices for the tests, including Channel 9 reporter Airlie Walsh, who said that a BP service station in Edgecliff, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, was selling individual tests for $30 each. She added, “They’re as little as $1 – $2 in Europe, but for a family of four in Oz, you’ll pay $120.” Journalist Eliza Barr was finally able to acquire some tests for $19.99 each, marked up from $12.25 to $13.75 and typically sold as a pack of 20. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The most cursory Google reveals these Innoscreen tests are meant to come in a box of 20 and can cost as little as between $12.25 and $13.75 per test in Australia. This is absolutely unforgivable. <a href="https://t.co/72eih9FOOZ">pic.twitter.com/72eih9FOOZ</a> — Eliza Barr (@ElizaJBarr) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElizaJBarr/status/1478198750401073153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote> While online retailer Kogan is now out of stock, as are Chemist Warehouse, Amazon and Harvey Norman, screenshots show that at one point, it was selling individual tests for $44 each. Beauty and health journalist Eleanor Pendleton took to Instagram to criticise the markups, explaining that in November, she purchased over 100 RATs for a production shoot, costing $1200. She wrote, “What cost me $1200 two months ago would today cost $4000! “With PCR tests only available to those with symptoms, the price gouging on RATs is disgusting.” The markups come as Prime Minister Scott Morrison held firm to his government’s decision not to make RATs free, despite individual state governments such as Queensland and Victoria purchasing supplies themselves in order to provide them for free to residents. The price gouging also comes as the need for RATs increases, as governments urge citizens not to line up for PCRs unless they are symptomatic. On Tuesday afternoon, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission announced that it was on the case. Rod Sims, chairman of the ACCC, said it was monitoring the situation “very closely”, explaining, “If we get a number of reports about excessive pricing from particular outlets, that’s when we can get involved and take whatever we judge to be the appropriate action. We’re gathering information as fast as we can.” Image: Massimiliano Finzi

News

Coles addresses Christmas food shortage fears

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> Supermarket giant Coles has reassured customers that there will be no food shortages around the festive season. As there's only 99 days until Christmas, supermarket bosses held crucial talks with Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to ensure that the hard lockdown won't lead to food shortages around the nation. Coles' Chief Operating Officer Matthew Swindells told Today that the company is prepared for the Christmas boom. "(There's) lots of work still to do, we are not through it all yet, but things are looking very promising," Swindells told Today. "We are all very much aligned and playing as a team to make sure we can do two things; The first is keep our customers and team members safe. The second is maintain food supply through to the community. "We just need to plan for that and continue to work together." The company's current concern is making sure food comes down the right supply channels. Lockdown and coronavirus has complicated things as Coles starts preparing for the festive season six months in advance. "It's a big logistics challenge. The team are up for it, they do a great job every year," he said. "There is a large amount of fresh food, as you can imagine, we all like turkey, hams, we want them as fresh as possible, we want the best food in front of our families. "Whilst this will be a different Christmas, a COVID-safe Christmas, I think everyone is really looking forward to celebrating." Swindells has urged customers to use online shopping and click-to-collect methods to ensure that they don't miss out on the items they need. "Don't leave it to the last minute," he said. "Try and pick quieter times to do shopping, maybe don't pick Saturday or Sunday afternoon. "There is a way in which we can all work together and make sure we get through this and all celebrate Christmas in a COVID safe way." </div> </div> </div>

Food & Wine

Why Melbourne’s supermarket shortages will quickly pass

You’re nervous, I get it. Panic buying is back, not as strong as in March and more localised in Melbourne. Once again shop shelves have been emptied of pasta, toilet paper and other household items. When will things get back to normal? Soon, more than likely in a matter of days, rather than weeks. What is different now Last time most of Australia was involved. Taken by surprise, supermarkets struggled with shoppers across the nation going into “hoard mode” simultaneously. Normally supermarket supply chains run like well-oiled machines with highly predictable demand. Products move slowly and continuously from factories to distribution centres to stores. Supply chains are “skinny”, with stores ensuring they have just enough stock to meet that demand, particularly for low-margin products like toilet paper that take up a lot of shelf space. A spike in demand can thus quickly empty shelves. It can prompt other shoppers to also start stockpiling, due to fear of missing out, making the problem worse. Responding to this situation in March took weeks, as supermarkets adjusted their orders and manufacturers ramped up production to supply more products. The supermarket chains used every trick in the book to balance supply and demand – including imposing limits on the quantity of products shoppers could buy at any one time. What is happening This time suppliers are more prepared. Their lean supply chains have built some fat. Inventory has not been at a minimum. Limits on the amount customers can buy have been quickly reintroduced. So why are shelves empty at all if this time businesses are more responsive? Well, one thing has not changed: there’s still a lag in supply chains responding to any sudden change in demand. With toilet paper, for example, orders are generally fulfilled in about ten days. Last time it took about three weeks for more paper to make to it shops. But, given the information of a spike in demand in Victoria made its way from shops and distributors to manufacturers almost instantly, things should happen faster this time. Retailers have already moved to answer the call by rerouting deliveries to increase supply where it is needed the most. The only thing stopping supply returning to normal is the speed of transportation and restocking. Also, the spike in demand is heavily localised in Melbourne. While there have been reports of panic buying and stockpiling in other states, it’s nowhere near the level of a few months ago. So shortages in Victoria will not be as prolonged as last time. Redirecting inventories will be a lot simpler. Think of it this way. Panic buying during March was like a big detour in the supply-chain highway given the whole country was involved. Now it is more like a car with a flat tyre reducing traffic speed locally. It’s not less dramatic for the people affected, but much simpler from a supply-chain perspective. The new normal So don’t panic. There’s less reason to join in the panic buying (or stockpiling, if you think of it as a rational response to lockdown) this time. We’re likely to experience these disruptions so long as COVID-19 outbreaks continue. The “new normal” is like a faulty switch. Regions will be on and off the spot until the pandemic is over. But as long as the entire nation does not move backwards all at the same time, supply chains from one state will quickly support the one experiencing difficulties. There’s really no reason for you to add to the problem.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/142288/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/flavio-romero-macau-998456">Flavio Romero Macau</a>, Senior Lecturer in Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/dont-panic-again-heres-why-melbournes-supermarket-shortages-will-quickly-pass-142288">original article</a>.

Retirement Income

Pauline Hanson slams China over baby formula shortage

Pauline Hanson has called for exporting baby formula to China to be made illegal, saying she doesn’t “give a damn” about the country and that the focus should be on Australian mothers and children. The One Nation leader’s comments come after a Sydney woman was found to have earned hundreds of thousands of dollars by exporting stolen formula to China. Lie Ke, 50, admitted to purchasing and shipping the formula after it had been stolen as part of a shoplifting ring across Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle in 2017 and 2018. Appearing on Sky News, Hanson believes exporting baby formula overseas should be banned. “Stop it at the boarders. Make it illegal for anyone to ship baby powder back to China or anywhere else,” she said. “If it has to be shipped let the company themselves do a deal with China and ship it back to China. But we have to make sure we have enough to supply our own mothers and children in Australia. “I don’t give a damn about China, I really don’t. I want to make sure that we have what we need in Australia.” Hanson revealed that she met with mothers who were unable to get their hands on formula for their children because supermarket shelves were wiped clean. She blasted the practice as “disgusting”. The politician also spoke about the harsh tariffs China placed on Australian barley, with many assuming is a form of punishment for launching an investigation into the coronavirus pandemic. “They have been putting their tentacles throughout Australia and their attitude is we’re in a great position in the world for the Chinese to actually have infiltrated Australia more and take over more of Australia and utilise our production of food here and ship it back to their own country,” Ms Hanson said. “Their attitude was they thought they would actually scare us into threats about barley and about beef and there was talk about the wine, what’s next? “Well they have had to back-pedal because Morrison didn’t back away from them, for which I am proud of him as prime minister of this country.” “They can’t just throw their weight around and tell us what to do.”

News

High tech shortages in the future as coronavirus shuts down manufacturers

There are now <a href="https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200212-sitrep-23-ncov.pdf?sfvrsn=41e9fb78_2">more than 45,000</a> confirmed cases of the coronavirus dubbed COVID-19 by the World Health Organization, and the disease has caused at least 1,115 deaths. The impact of the virus is now reaching way beyond public health: China is at the heart of global manufacturing, and as supply chains suffer, <a href="https://www.logisticsmgmt.com/article/coronavirus_and_the_global_supply_chain_rising_panic_part">panic</a> is beginning to set in. In many provinces across China the government has urged hundreds of millions of workers to <a href="https://www.afr.com/world/asia/virus-death-toll-above-900-as-workers-told-to-stay-home-20200210-p53zbr">stay home</a> to help reduce the spread of the virus. As a result, many factories have stayed closed since the Lunar New Year holiday in late January, halting the production of products and parts destined for countries around the world, including Australia. Apple is one of the most high-profile companies affected, with its <a href="https://www.wsj.com/amp/articles/rapid-spread-of-coronavirus-tests-apples-china-dependency-11580910743">manufacturing partner Foxconn hitting a lengthy production delay</a>, but they are far from alone. Global supply chains, global problems The sectors hit hardest <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevebanker/2020/02/10/global-high-tech-supply-chains-disrupted-by-the-coronavirus/amp/">appear to be</a> high-tech electronics, pharmaceuticals and the automotive industry. Globalised supply chains and just-in-time manufacturing mean many seemingly unrelated products are vulnerable to pauses in the flow of goods from China. It only takes one small missing part to bring entire supply chains to a standstill. If a tyre manufacturer in the United States doesn’t receive valves from a supplier in China, a car plant in Germany won’t receive any tyres, and therefore can’t ship finished cars to its customers. Something similar happened to automotive giant Hyundai, which had to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/04/business/hyundai-south-korea-coronavirus.html">suspend all operations</a> at its manufacturing plant in South Korea due to a lack of parts from China. Even tech companies such as Samsung, Google and Sony, which have moved their factories out of China in recent years, are <a href="https://qz.com/1800540/how-coronavirus-is-upending-the-tech-industrys-supply-chain/">being affected</a>. They still rely on China for many components such as sensors or smartphone screens. It is not just large businesses that will feel these effects. Many small businesses around the world also source products and parts from China. The supply of these is now uncertain, with no sign yet as to when normal service may resume. For products and parts that are still being manufactured in China, new enhanced screening measures at all Chinese border crossings are likely to cause further delays. How will Australia be affected? The effects of the coronavirus are also being felt in Australia. China is our largest trading partner for both imports and exports. According to the United Nations Comtrade database, <a href="https://tradingeconomics.com/australia/imports/china">Australian imports from China</a> were valued at A$85.9 billion in 2018. The biggest product categories were electronics and electrical equipment, making up A$19.8 billion, and machinery, which accounts for another A$15.7 billion. Moreover, <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/BriefingBook44p/China">90% of all Australia’s merchandise imports</a> are from China, and half of those are engineering products such as office and telecommunications equipment. Besides the well-publicised impact on airlines, universities and tourism, Australian construction companies are warning clients of upcoming project delays as a result of forecast disruptions in materials sourced from China. Aurizon, Australia’s largest rail operator, has said the coronavirus will delay the arrival of <a href="https://www.afr.com/companies/retail/coronavirus-fallout-hits-australian-companies-20200210-p53zfc">66 new rail wagons</a> being made in Wuhan, the city at the epicentre of the outbreak. Expect shortages of high-tech goods Product shortages could also soon be visible on retailers’ shelves, with electronics stores such as JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman expected to experience <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/12/coronavirus-fallout-could-leave-australian-tourism-and-retail-sector-in-the-doldrums">significant disruption</a> to their supply of computers, televisions and smartphones. When shortages like this occur, customers will struggle to buy the products they want, when they want them. The only channels available might be third-party resellers offering highly inflated prices. In extreme cases, supply shortages like these can also lead to <a href="http://personal.cb.cityu.edu.hk/biyishou/Consumer_panic_buying.pdf">panic buying</a> and stockpiling. More uncertainty ahead It is commonly said that “when China sneezes, the world catches a cold”. So what is the long-term diagnosis for the coronavirus breakout, and what will the economic symptoms be? As so much is still unknown about COVID-19, with no vaccine or formal means of preventing it spreading having emerged yet, it’s too early to predict what the full impact will be. For many industries the next few months will bring high levels of uncertainty, with disruptions certain to continue, before recovery programs can start to gain traction. This is obviously a worry for many organisations, but could also be a period of new opportunity for others, as the world comes to terms with this latest global health crisis. Supply chains that are agile enough to react quicker than their competitors’, or those with more robust risk management plans, might find themselves gaining greater market share as a result of this crisis.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/131646/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/john-l-hopkins-255434">John L Hopkins</a>, Theme Leader (Future Urban Mobility), Smart Cities Research Institute, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/swinburne-university-of-technology-767">Swinburne University of Technology</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/high-tech-shortages-loom-as-coronavirus-shutdowns-hit-manufacturers-131646">original article</a>.

Technology

Coronavirus: How worried should you be about the shortage of face masks?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/30-01-2020-statement-on-the-second-meeting-of-the-international-health-regulations-(2005)-emergency-committee-regarding-the-outbreak-of-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)">has just declared</a> the coronavirus outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. <a href="https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/">There have been</a> nearly 10,000 cases of the so-called 2019-nCoV in China, 23 countries affected and more than 213 deaths globally. China, Germany, the US and several other countries <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2001468?query=featured_home">confirmed</a> the virus can spread person to person, even from people without any symptoms. Now there are reports of face mask shortages <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/29/health/coronavirus-masks-hoarding.html">around the world</a>, including <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7930265/Facemasks-sold-Chemist-Warehouse-Australians-prepare-potential-coronavirus-outbreak.html">Australia</a>, the <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/face-masks-selling-out-u-s-china-coronavirus-experts-protect-against-infection-1484356">US</a> and in <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com.au/chinese-official-protective-mask-and-suit-shortage-wuhan-coronavirus-2020-1?r=US&IR=T">many cities of China</a>. How concerned should we be about these shortages? Or can we just wrap a scarf or piece of cloth around our face to protect against infection? How important are face masks? For a disease with no drug or vaccine yet, non-pharmaceutical measures are the mainstay of control. This includes personal protective equipment, such as face masks. But the type of face masks we typically see (surgical masks) do not provide a seal around the face or filtration of airborne particles, like those that may carry coronavirus. They do however <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/irv.12474">provide</a> a limited physical barrier against you transferring the virus from your hand to the face, or from large droplets and splashes of fluid. You also need to put on and remove your mask properly. Disposable <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/default.html">respirators</a> reduce the risk of respiratory infections. They are designed to fit around the face and to filter <a href="https://theconversation.com/ive-always-wondered-why-many-people-in-asian-countries-wear-masks-and-whether-they-work-90178">95%</a> of airborne particles. However, these should be reserved for health workers, who need them most. Do we really need these masks anyway? In the disease epicentre, Wuhan, or on an <a href="https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200130/p2a/00m/0na/016000c">evacuation flight</a> out of Wuhan, face masks are a sensible precaution. They are also needed in other Chinese cities that are affected by the outbreak and where <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/01/30/cdc-confirms-first-human-to-human-transmission-of-coronavirus-in-us.html">transmission</a> is ongoing. However, in countries where transmission is not widespread and there are only a handful of cases being treated in hospital isolation rooms, masks serve no purpose in the community. For example, there is no need for the general public to use face masks in Australia, US and other counties where a few imported cases are reported, and the risk of catching the virus is low. Panic buying will result in a lack of supplies when we need them most, for instance, if the number of cases escalates dramatically. During the H1N1 influenza pandemic in 2009, the WHO <a href="https://www.who.int/influenza/preparedness/measures/Adviceusemaskscommunityrevised.pdf?ua=1">did not recommend</a> the general public use face masks. The case is different for health workers, who face greater risks. It is essential we provide health workers with the best protection, because if they get sick or die, we <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020748914003319?via%3Dihub">lose our ability</a> to fight the epidemic. During the SARS epidemic, <a href="https://oem.bmj.com/content/75/Suppl_2/A14.1">21% of all cases globally</a> were health workers. How concerned should we be about the shortage of face masks? This is a concern, especially if people hoard or stockpile face masks when there is no need. We saw a shortage of masks early during the 2009 influenza pandemic. The surge in demand during such events also results in higher prices. Countries have started releasing stockpiles of masks and other personal protective equipment to the health system. For example, the Australian government this week released <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/one-million-masks-released-as-australia-reviews-coronavirus-response-20200129-p53vqx.html">one million masks</a> for general practices and pharmacists from the national medical stockpile. There is also an existing shortage of masks in some areas of Australia due to the bushfire response and face masks from the national stockpile have mainly been released <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/one-million-masks-released-as-australia-reviews-coronavirus-response-20200129-p53vqx.html">in those areas</a>. What happens if the situation gets worse? The number of cases is <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/mrc-global-infectious-disease-analysis/news--wuhan-coronavirus/">expected to increase</a> and a large quantity of face masks may be needed. If the current situation becomes a pandemic (an epidemic that goes global), we could be facing a much greater demand for personal protective equipment in the health sector alone. In a <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0217704">modelled serious epidemic in Sydney of smallpox</a>, if health workers use two disposable respirators a day for 6 months, over 30 million respirators will be needed for 100,000 clinical health workers. China is the largest producer of face masks globally and it has already <a href="https://gulfnews.com/photos/news/chinese-mask-factories-ramps-up-production-to-meet-worldwide-demand-1.1580295430370?slide=1">stepped up production</a> to meet the high demand. If large outbreaks happen in other countries, China may not be able to meet the demand of face masks, respirators and other medical supplies. Not all face masks are up to the job Another problem is the sale of low-quality face masks due to a shortage of products on the market, as <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3048126/china-coronavirus-hong-kong-customs-officers-launch">has been reported</a> in China and Hong Kong. Face masks are not regulated, may not filter the air, and also typically allow large amounts of air in through the sides. With a shortage of masks, low-quality masks could be exported to other countries. If I can’t get hold of a mask, can I wrap a scarf around my face? Wrapping cloth around your face probably will not protect you. That’s because a scarf or a hanky does not provide a tight fit around the face, isn’t designed to filter out air and may be contaminated. However, during the Ebola epidemic, a woman <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2014/09/25/health/ebola-fatu-family/index.html">nursed her entire family</a> through the illness using home-made protective equipment and did not get infected. In Asia, cloth masks are popular because they are cheap and re-usable. But they don’t protect you. Cloth masks may even <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/bmjopen/5/4/e006577.full.pdf">increase your risk</a> of infection, especially if you don’t wash them regularly. They may absorb moisture and provide a breeding ground for bugs. So, ideally, people shouldn’t be using them. However, people may resort to cloth if there is no other choice. In a nutshell While news of mask shortages might sound scary, if you are in a country with few isolated cases, you don’t need one anyway as the risk of infection is very low for the general public. Panic buying or stockpiling also means there won’t be enough to go round should the situation worsen. Even if you do use a face mask, they may protect against large droplets (ones you can feel on your skin when someone sneezes) and self-contamination from your hands, but not against smaller airborne particles. Don’t forget, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html">hand-washing</a> is also very effective in preventing infection.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/130873/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/c-raina-macintyre-101935">C Raina MacIntyre</a>, Professor of Global Biosecurity, NHMRC Principal Research Fellow, Head, Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-1414">UNSW</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/abrar-ahmad-chughtai-358166">Abrar Ahmad Chughtai</a>, Epidemiologist, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-1414">UNSW</a> This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-how-worried-should-i-be-about-the-shortage-of-face-masks-or-can-i-just-use-a-scarf-130873">original article</a>.

Travel Trouble

Furious customers left empty-handed at Coles and Woolworths

Customers across Australia have been impacted by the pet food shortage across both Coles and Woolworths. Pet owners have been left unable to feed their animals due to Mars Petcare brands no longer being in stock. The brands that are affected include Whiskas, Pedigree and My Dog. A woman who shops at Woolworths in Fentree Gully, 32kms east from Melbourne, explained how she has been impacted by the shortage to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/news/woolworths-coles-pet-food-shortage-sparks-customer-outrage/news-story/1dbb8b9f1c3fa7410fa451642d6acf0e?fbclid=IwAR1mVx1QQWOf7DyopitokZFsLmhy2U5o3Z8x-Nw3PNtN0UcfEAQB8VKiVgg" target="_blank">The Herald Sun</a>. “It's so annoying that I can't get the brand of dog food that my dog likes. This has been going on for almost two weeks now and it's not good enough,” she explained. Other customers have vented their frustrations on the Woolworths Facebook page. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwoolworths%2Fposts%2F2702449556493825&width=500" width="500" height="593" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe> One customer asked why they’re unable to get pet food in Vincentia, on the South Coast of NSW. The post reads: “Why has Woolies run out of dog food at Vincentia?” Woolworths was quick to respond, explaining that they’ve been experiencing supply shortages. “We have been experiencing supply shortages on some brands in the pet food aisle. Rest assured, we are working hard to get these lines back on shelves and apologise for any inconvenience caused. Thanks.” However, National Union of Workers regional organiser Mark Schmidt has had other ideas. He told radio station <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.kiis1011.com.au/newsroom/popular-pet-food-disappears-from-supermarket-shelves-across-melbourne" target="_blank">KIIS </a>that the lack of product is due to a price rise. "Mars has had a price rise with its product and Woolworths and Coles are trying to get in and get their cut and my understanding is that's why there has been a hold-off," Schmidt explained. "The warehouses are full, so it's not that there's a shortage in the product. It's the fun and games that go with a product price rise." Customers are very annoyed that there’s no definite end date in sight. This was confirmed by another customer, who said: “Where is all the dog and cat food from all of the brands that you stock?? This has been going on for over a week now at Manly West and staff don't have any updates to give other than to say it's happening at all stores and there is no ETA.” Have you been affected by Woolworths and Coles' pet food shortage? Let us know in the comments.

Family & Pets

Unprecedented demand causes flu vaccine shortage across Australia

The most vulnerable will be the first priority for flu vaccinations until the government can get a "solid supply" into Australia, after a record number of people got the jab causing a shortage. Victoria's Health Minister Jill Hennessy yesterday said the flu shot would be rationed to children, the elderly and the sick until there was a stable supply. "Until we can get the assurance from the commonwealth government there's flu vaccine available for all ... we're rationing our flu vaccines for the most vulnerable groups. They are largely people with certain kinds of illnesses, for the elderly and for young children," Ms Hennessy said. "But we want the flu vaccine to be available for all and that's why we have called upon the federal government to get more assertive and organised about ensuring a solid supply." She wrote to the federal government last week and has been told additional doses are due to arrive in a couple of weeks. The Department of Health's Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Anthony (Tony) Hobbs said authorities were pleased so many people have oped for the jab. Dr Hobbs said each state and territory's chief medical officers had noted an increase in vaccinations of between 20 and 30 per cent. "We are working very closely with all chief health officers to make sure we're managing supply so people who have access need it," he said. Dr Hobbs said the government had already released an extra 93,000 doses for the over 65s. "We expect another 144,000 doses in next one or two weeks," Dr Hobbs said. "We expect another 144,000 doses in the next one or two weeks. We continue to work with manufacturers to bring other vaccine into the market. It is still very early in the season. We have had no indication to date that this flu season so far is any different or any worse than any other season." There is a 30 per cent increase in the number of people wanting a jab compared to 2017. As of Monday, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has released 9.6 million doses of influenza vaccines under the immunisation program, state programs and the private market.

Caring

Huge shortage of a Christmas favourite looming

An Aussie Christmas lunch wouldn’t be complete without prawns, but experts are warning a looming shortage could drive prices through the roof. According to Marshall Betzel, president of the Queensland Seafood Marketers Association, prawn supplies are “pretty tight” at the moment, and as we edge closer to Christmas, prices for large sea-caught tiger and king prawns could soar above $40 per kilo. Betzel claims the “double whammy" of Chinese demand for Aussie prawns and continuing limitations on imports are responsible for the shortage, which unfortunately extends to other favourite shellfish like tropical lobster. “The overall message is don’t leave it to the last minute to go shopping for seafood for Christmas," he told <a href="http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/christmas-prawn-shortage-in-queensland-as-seafood-industry-struggles-with-supply/news-story/43c4be8703044a52291ea3affc86436b" target="_blank">The Courier-Mail</a>. “The prudent buyer should be looking at buying prawns today. Prawns snap-frozen on the boat come up a treat when thawed out so you could be buying them and putting them in the freezer until Christmas to make sure you don’t miss out.” Tell us in the comments below, will you still be getting prawns for your Christmas lunch this year?

Food & Wine

Will there be a chocolate shortage this Christmas?

Cadbury factor workers are set to go on strike next week over pay and rostering, raising the prospect of a chocolate shortage for the peak Christmas and Easter periods. The supply of <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/food-wine/2017/08/cadbury-chocolate-bars-are-about-to-look-very-different/" target="_blank">popular chocolate varieties such as Dairy Milk</a>, Roses and Freddo are expected to be impacted by the industrial action at the Ringwood factory in Melbourne. The Electrical Trades Union (ETU), which represents the group of 12 electricians who will be striking, pointed the finger at <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2016/11/outrage-over-changes-to-toblerone/">international giant Mondelēz</a> (which owns Cadbury), which took away worker’s ability to share the worst shifts. The union says Mondelēz’s move to impose a permanent, fixed roster is “dehumanising”, “banishing” some workers to night and weekend shifts on reduced rates. The ETU also alleges management has made “inferences” that anyone who speaks out against the proposed changes will be punished with the worst shifts. One of the workers, who spoke to <a href="http://www.news.com.au" target="_blank">news.com.au</a> on the condition of anonymity, describes how the group had shared unsociable hours through a rotating roster. “All we’re asking is that we have input, so you don’t get stuck on a shift pattern, working every second weekend and are too tired to get up and watch your kids play footy,” he said. “We want the chance to be able to share it among ourselves as evenly as we can to mitigate family issues.” “A machine might have a hiccup, we go and effectively do a repair,” he added. “We enjoy the work we’re doing, we have a damn good crew there that make wonderful products, but management have gone down this silly avenue,” he said. Mondelēz hit back at allegations, with a spokesperson issuing the following statement: “Electricians working with the company already benefit from extremely generous working conditions and wages that far exceed award standards,” the spokeswoman said. “There is nothing in the proposed EA that changes this — there are no plans to scrap Saturday penalty rates, nor is the company planning to move to a permanent fixed night or weekend roster. What this EA does seek, is to maintain existing flexibility and responsiveness to modern manufacturing practices. “It is extremely disappointing that the ETU has taken this approach on the basis that Mondelēz International cannot agree to the Union’s requests to remove existing longstanding practices. Their removal will prevent the flexibility the company needs to remain competitive in this globally challenging environment. “Mondelēz International remains committed to continuing to negotiate with the Union in good faith to arrive at an agreement that acts in the interests of its employees, and at the same time ensures the global competitiveness and sustainability of the site in Ringwood. “The company looks forward to reaching an agreement with the Union in the near future.” What are your thoughts? Does this sort of news make you want to avoid Cadbury products in the future?

Money & Banking

How Australia's butter crisis will impact Christmas

Australia’s butter shortage is beginning to push up the price of Aussie favourites such as meat pies, croissants, cakes, buns and biscuits. Shoppers will face a Christmas period of expensive baked goods as butter prices hit record highs and bakeries struggle to cope with the extra expenses. Industry insiders believe there are three factors that are contributing to this national shortage. Experts said falls in the production of butter can be attributed to the health drive towards the consumption of full cream milk rather than skim. The fat that is skimmed off the milk is used to manufacture butter. There has also been a greater demand for butter as shoppers switch from margarine to butter for health reasons. Industry insiders also highlighted that milk production has dropped seven per cent in the last year. President of the National Bakery Industry Association, Brett Noy, told The Courier Mail that bakeries are using French butter due to the expensive price of Australian butter. “Over a year ago a 25kg box of Australian butter was $100 now it hits $240. We don’t want to see a shift away from support of local dairy farmers but we are trying the best we can to keep prices down at the till,” Brett said. Brett said if there is a further increase to the price of butter, bakeries will have to consider using margarine in the baking process. “Of course we don’t want this. There will be a big impact on taste and nutritional value,” he said. In the last 18months, the price of butter has risen by 140 per cent. Industry analyst John Droppert believes smaller businesses will be impacted most by the national shortage. “Many small businesses operate on a month-to-month basis and buy from wholesalers. They are the ones that can’t handle the squeeze,” he said. He predicts the butter shortage will continue until next year. What do you think of the increase in price of butter in Australia? Has it affected your weekly shop? Tell us in the comments below.

Money & Banking

Nationwide egg shortage as retailers scramble to meet demand

Australia is set to face a significant egg shortage over the next couple of months, as producers scramble to fall in line with new free-range egg laws. The shortage has been caused by a range of factors. Australia has seen a 3-4 per cent increase in overall egg consumption recently, which has coincided with new laws affecting the producers of free range eggs. Reports suggest free range egg producers have been reluctant to invest in infrastructure due to uncertainty regarding the new restrictions. Federal laws introduced in March require farmers using the branding of free-range to limit their production to one chicken per square metre or 10,000 per hectare. So in some instances, farmers would have to increase their facilities to meet production. Egg production is generally down in the cooler months anyway, and with a shortage of free-range driving customers to buy caged, supermarket shelves have been left bare. Egg Farmers Australia told Fairfax, Melbourne and Sydney are the worst-hit cities in Australia, as the two respective states are home to most of Australia’s free-range egg producers. Farmers Australia spokesman John Coward added that it would take at least two months for stock levels at our supermarket to return to normal. When you’re shopping do you go for caged or free-range eggs? Do you think this egg shortage is going to affect your shopping habits? Share your thoughts in the comments. Image credit: Twitter / ABC News Brisbane Related links: <a href="/news/news/2016/06/things-to-buy-and-avoid-at-the-supermarket/">5 things to buy and 7 things to avoid at the supermarket</a> <a href="/health/body/2016/05/tricks-to-make-healthy-supermarket-choices/">4 super simple secrets to make healthy supermarket choices</a> <a href="/finance/money-banking/2016/05/woolies-set-to-undergo-major-overhaul/">Woolies set to undergo major overhaul and drop prices</a>

News

Warning of a Lego shortage this Christmas

Lego, one of the world’s most popular toy makers, has flagged a potential shortfall of stock ahead of the festive season.Lego revealed yesterday that it may not be able to deliver all European orders to shops due to the high demand this year. It means that some shoppers could face empty shelves.“When we get new orders we will face a challenge in some markets in Europe to ship those orders to the stores,” spokesman Roar Rude Trangbaek told AFP.“This comes on top of a first half of 2015 where we really outperformed our expectations for how sales would develop,” he said.Around 60 per cent of Lego’s annual sales are yet to be made at this time of the year, Trangbaek said.“We can’t guarantee that parents can go into any toy store and find specifically the product they are looking for. They may have to search another store before they can find it,” he said.Hopefully the shortage won’t affect our shores, but we will keep you updated!Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/family/2015/09/funny-twin-photos/">Hilarious twin photos in matching outfits</a><a href="/lifestyle/family/2015/09/how-to-bond-with-grandkids/">Nifty ways to bond with your grandkids</a><a href="/lifestyle/family/2015/08/funny-things-grandchildren-say-3/">The funniest quotes from your grandkids</a>

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How Australia's butter crisis will impact Christmas

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