Red tape jeopardising UK food safety and trade, food groups warn
New post-Brexit border controls are putting Britain’s food security at risk, with retailers and food suppliers expressing deep concern over potential delays and spoilage. In a letter to Environment Secretary Steve Reed, the SPS Certification Working Group highlighted issues stemming from the April implementation of new checks for EU goods. There are still reports of perishable foods being delayed up to 24 hours, leading to significant waste and financial loss. More worryingly, the inconsistency in charges and extended hold-ups at the border are causing importers to reconsider their shipping routes, threatening the just-in-time supply chain critical for fresh produce.
The letter also criticises the decision to locate the border control post 22 miles from the entry point, which, without robust measures like GPS tracking and stringent inspections, could lead to illegal food being offloaded en route. The Dover Port Health Authority, vital in preventing the import of diseases, has also faced funding cuts up to 70%, raising additional safety concerns. The full implications of these border control issues could have serious economic, trade, and reputational repercussions for the UK. The Telegraph’s Hannah Boland has a write up.
Read the letter in full