A range of everyday products could be disappearing from supermarket shelves following the government's announcement of a new initiative.

Under the proposed measures, UK businesses trading in commodities sourced from rainforests will be required to verify that their supply chains are not contributing to illegal deforestation.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said: "Tackling global deforestation is one of the most effective ways we can address climate change and protect some of the world's most precious and unique wildlife.

"That's why we are leading by example and scrutinising our own supply chains."

"Eliminating products linked to illegal deforestation not only helps to protect precious ecosystems but is good for our collective resilience and long-term prosperity."

The initiative would impact products utilising commodities such as:

These goods are widely found in everyday supermarket staples including chocolate, cooking oils, shampoo and cosmetics — and could result in certain items being pulled from our shelves.

In 2023, Britain's consumption of these products was linked to approximately 29,000 hectares of deforestation across the globe — roughly one and a half times the size of Manchester — and 9.4 million tonnes of associated carbon emissions.

Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said: "Retailers welcome today's announcement.

"We have long called for UK deforestation regulation as an important step in driving forest conservation across retail supply chains in line with business commitments, while supporting alignment with the EU where possible to avoid unnecessary costs and complexity for retailers and their customers.

"However, with the EU regulation due to take effect in Northern Ireland at the end of the year, it's important that the government takes a pragmatic approach to enforcement to minimise disruption for businesses and consumers."