The government has warned against the stockpiling of food by consumers, and insisted food industry planning will minimise the impacts of a no-deal Brexit.
Despite increasing concerns the UK would leave the EU with no deal on 29 March, the food sector was “well versed” at dealing with disruption, and undertaking “sensible contingency planning” to prepare for a range of different Brexit scenarios, said Defra food minister David Rutley.
“I understand people with special dietary requirements might have questions about what food they will have access to after we leave the EU,” Rutley said in an exclusive interview with The Grocer.
“But I want to be clear government isn’t recommending people start stockpiling food.”
His comments come despite growing evidence shoppers are starting to stockpile food in preparation of a no-deal Brexit, and amid almost daily warnings of the negative effects a no-deal could have on food producers, suppliers and retailers.
It follows research commissioned by The Grocer earlier this month that revealed some 11% of shoppers had already begun to stockpile, with 39% worried about retailers running out of food and drink, rising to 56% among 18 to 24-year-olds.
However, Rutley downplayed the threat of empty shelves by pointing out both the government and food sector were well prepared.
“Extensive contingency planning across government has been underway for the past two years, and businesses have been making preparations.”
The UK already had a high level of food security “built upon a diverse range of sources including strong domestic production - with over half the food we currently eat produced in the UK - and imports from other countries”, he added.
“During my time in the department, I’ve seen just how resilient our food sector is and how well industry can adapt to challenges.”
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