Shoppers face a "decline in choice" in supermarkets because of new Brexit checks on goods coming into Britain from the EU, it has been reported. There are fears a new system will lead to more shortages in supermarkets - similar to the lack of fruit and vegetables that hit UK stores and led to rationing earlier this year.
The Government plans to phase in checks under its Border Target Operating Model from October. This is when health certification on imports of some animal, plant and food products is set to begin, with more checks then being introduced in January and October 2024.
Nick Allen, chief executive of the British Meat Processors Association, told The Independent that some products would "fall by the wayside" as firms grapple with the new requirements. "What we’ll see is a decline in choice, because some of the smaller firms importing specialist products – bacon, ham, cheeses – that part of the business will fall by the wayside. Some will have to change their business model to survive," he said.
Mr Allen added: "Some exporters in the EU won’t bother to send stuff here because they will find other markets."
He also warned that the cost of the extra paperwork would make food more expensive, worsening the cost of living crisis. "It will add to food inflation. At a time when it’s real struggle for families, it won’t make things any easier,” he said.
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said the system needed to work smoothly "from day one" to cut the risk of shortages on supermarket shelves. “In the autumn we increase imports of fresh produce from Europe that has a short shelf life, so it is imperative the system works well from day one to avoid impact on customers," he told The Independent.
Subscribe here for the latest news where you live
Last month the Government said it had a "firm intention" to go ahead with the "first milestone" of the Border Target Operating Model on October 31, and that the final version of the model would be published following a six-week "engagement period". "Businesses should work with their supply chains to prepare for this change now," it said.
