New Brexit checks will make food price inflation even worse, warns industry

Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The UK’s fresh produce industry said firms could be forced to pass on the extra costs of charges imposed on food and agricultural imports from the EU set to be introduced in October. The body said it expected “additional costs, delay and disruption” from the new red tape on fresh goods that would “materially contribute towards consumer inflation” as well as lead to greater food waste. Mr Jenny added: “UK border strategy will be directly responsible for UK food inflation.” open image in gallery Supermarkets have seen shortages of some fresh fruit and veg Business leaders fear port authorities are unprepared for the implementation of new checks, including health certifications on some animal, plant and food products from the EU. "We have already taken action to support businesses and prevent any delays by reducing the need for physical checks, and ensuring checks take place away from ports where this is needed.” “We have engaged extensively with industry – including with the Fresh Produce Consortium – following the publication of the draft border target operating model, and will continue to do so, to consider what more we can do to support their readiness for the new controls, and will publish the final target operating model in the near future.”