Food industry trade bodies are discussing whether to take legal action against the government over post-Brexit plans that will require all meat and dairy products sold in the UK to be labelled as “not for EU”.

Food businesses sending products to the EU have had to fork out an extra £170m in export costs because of Brexit red tape, with the changes described as being “catastrophic” for some exporters. / Data shows costs have contributed to value of meat exports falling by 17% since 2019.

Business chiefs say new red tape could reduce shelf life of fresh produce by one-fifth. / A group representing 30 major business bodies said the new requirement to notify the British authorities a day before European goods are sent would lead to big delays.

Imports of chilled and frozen meat and fish, cheese and dairy products, and five common varieties of cut flowers will require an export health certificate, signed off by a European vet or plant inspector, before they can enter the UK.

Extra import controls will be ‘impossible’ for small businesses, says food industry chief.

One port operator has had to demolish building work for new checks, while other crucial customs sites do not even have planning permission yet.