UK’s post-Brexit checks on fruit and vegetables delayed for a third time

The government said plans to introduce checks on some fruit and vegetables, such as tomatoes, from 1 January would be postponed by six months. Photograph: Hannah McKay/Reuters

Planned post-Brexit checks on fruit and vegetables brought into Britain from the EU have been delayed for the third time, amid concerns from suppliers that they could lead to higher prices for shoppers.

The government said plans to introduce checks on some fruit and vegetables, such as celery and tomatoes, from 1 January would now be postponed by six months, in a move that would give it more time to understand the impact on businesses.