No-deal Brexit threatens food supplies in Ireland

According to a new briefing published by the Food Research Collaboration, an initiative of the Centre for Food Policy based at the City, University of London, a no-deal Brexit would cause food supply disruptions across Ireland due to new border controls on food entering the country from the UK.

Gary McFarlane, director of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Northern Ireland, said: “This is a serious issue for both food businesses and public authorities in Northern Ireland. There aren’t enough resources or qualified professionals available to help the significant numbers of businesses that will be affected with the documentation necessary for cross-border trade. Without that resource businesses risk losing that trade. And that then risks their future viability with all of the implications that brings.”

The briefing also warns that price hikes and restricted supply are likely to impact fruit and vegetables the most, causing a public health risk.

A hard border will severely disrupt flows of raw materials and products, and lead to higher prices and reduced supplies on both sides of the border.