Major grocery chains have stopped selling disposable BBQs in response to concerns over wildfires in the UK. Asda halted sales of disposable BBQs this week, while Tesco and Co-op paused all sales last month. Sainsbury’s has also withdrawn disposable BBQs until August 12. Retailers like Wilko and The Range have followed suit by removing these products from their stores and online. Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose, and M&S have not stocked disposable grills since 2022.
The decision to pull disposable BBQs comes as the UK experiences exceptionally hot and dry weather, making it the driest July for England and Wales in 190 years according to the Met Office. The dry conditions have increased the risk of wildfires, with over 700 wildfires reported this year, including incidents in Dunwich, Suffolk, and the Rhondda Valley in Wales.
The retailers’ actions align with guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), which is in effect until next Wednesday. Inga Becker-Hansen, a Products Policy Advisor at the British Retail Consortium, emphasized the importance of customer and environmental safety, stating that retailers are committed to following NFCC advice.
Labour MP Jon Pearce of High Peak, Derbyshire, has called for a mandatory implementation of NFCC guidelines on disposable BBQs. He highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change and preparing for future wildfire seasons.
Co-op and Tesco spokespersons reiterated their commitment to environmental responsibility and compliance with NFCC guidance by temporarily removing disposable BBQs from sale due to the prevailing hot and dry conditions in the UK.
The move by grocery chains reflects a broader industry effort to mitigate fire risks and promote public safety during the ongoing heatwave.
