The new post-Brexit border checks set to come into effect in April (“Food groups warn of Brexit border disruption”, Report, January 29) are yet another disheartening example of politicians making policies without fully considering the impact.
Over the years, the hospitality and food industries have been stretched beyond belief by Brexit, the pandemic and the cost of living crisis. These new changes to import rules will increase the number of cross border checks on EU food and drink creating new challenges, prolonging the time it takes for products to arrive in the UK and potentially resulting in destroyed plant, meat and dairy produce.
The UK is one of the highest consumers of ultra-processed foods in the world. As founder of London’s first sustainable community food market, I fear European farmers and suppliers will think twice about exporting fresh food to the UK, which means British consumers will lose out on a variety of produce, see an increase in prices and ultimately find it harder to access the healthy and nutritious food they need.
This couldn’t come at a worse time. The government must reconsider these new rules and focus their efforts on supporting an already stretched hospitality sector, as well as families who are doing their best to feed themselves healthy and affordable food.
Andrea Rasca
Founder and Chief Executive, Mercato Metropolitano, London SE1, UK
