KFC could run out of food if there's a no deal Brexit

KFC is among the food outlets to sign a letter warning of food shortages after a no-Brexit deal

Supermarkets and food retailers have written to MPs to warn of the “inevitable pressure” on food prices, quality, and choice in the case of a no-deal Brexit.

The letter was instigated by the British Retail Consortium and co-signed by the chief executives of KFC, Pret, Waitrose, Marks and Spencer, McDonald’s, Asda, Co-op, Lidl, and Costcutter.

It calls on the Commons to find an urgent solution to the UK’s departure from the EU.

“On behalf of our businesses and the wider food industry we want to highlight to you the challenges for retailers and the consequences for millions of UK consumers of leaving the European Union without a deal at the end of March,” the letter says.

“While we have been working closely with our suppliers on contingency plans it is not possible to mitigate all the risks to our supply chains and we fear significant disruption in the short-term as a result if there is no Brexit deal.”

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The letter clearly sets out why a no-deal Brexit would prove so disruptive and expensive for the UK. Issues such as delays at the borders, import costs, and seasonal food options are all highlighted. The point that stockpiling is impossible in some cases is also flagged.

The CEOs say: “Our supply chains are closely linked to Europe – nearly one third of the food we eat in the UK comes from the EU. “In March, the situation is more acute as UK produce is out of season: 90 per cent of our lettuces, 80 per cent of our tomatoes, and 70 per cent of our soft fruit is sourced from the EU at that time of year.

“As this produce is fresh and perishable, it needs to be moved quickly from farms to our stores. This complex, ‘just in time’ supply chain will be significantly disrupted in the event of no deal.”

An intervention such as this, where key business figures comment on a political debate, is uncommon. It is clear British firms are worried about the country’s ongoing Brexit negotiations, which remain at a deadlock.

The UK is due to leave the EU in a matter of weeks, and yet Theresa May’s government has failed to strike a deal in Brussels. Parliament, too, cannot agree on the best course of action.