Brexit fears driving British to stock food | World

On Facebook, a group created to give advice and information on how to store supplies already has nearly 8,000 subscribers.

The government guarantees that it is preparing for supplies to continue to be normal. These are ordinary citizens who are worried about conducting negotiations for Brexit and evidence that the UK can leave the EU without any kind of agreement.

Among the stories recounted by the media in recent days include that of a woman whose teenage daughter suffers from epilepsy and other chronic health conditions and who has to take several medications a day . Or the father who simply prefers to watch and accumulates food and non-perishable fuel for several weeks.

Both are part of a group created on Facebook to exchange tips and information on how to store supplies. In the past month, the group has doubled in size and already has nearly 8,000 subscribers.

Meanwhile, a contractor created a "Brexit Survival Kit", including foods such as dehydrated foods, a water filter and even firefighting equipment. The box costs around 300 pounds and is a blockbuster.

Food Security Threatened

This issue of a possible shortage of food, medicine and other products on tablets after Brexit has been settled over the past two and a half years since the referendum. It's far from totally unfounded: Monday, the major British retailers said that if Britain left the European Union without agreement, the country's food security would be threatened.

The consortium of the country's largest supermarkets and fast-food chains warned that prices should increase in the short term and that the shelves would be empty. In 2017, 30% of the food consumed by the British came from the European Union, many of them being perishable, such as fruits, vegetables and green vegetables.

According to retailers, the situation is particularly delicate because in March, at Brexit, domestic products will not be in the right place yet to reach the market.

Pharmaceutical Companies Predict Shortages

Retailers are not alone in worrying. Large pharmaceutical companies have also increased their stocks of drugs and vaccines, as well as vehicle manufacturers, who anticipate a possible lack of parts. According to the British Association of Warehouses, 75% of warehouses and large warehouses in the country are already full.

While the administration of Prime Minister Theresa May is trying to break the deadlock over the country 's future after March 29, fears are growing that Britain is leaving the United States. European Union without any agreement with the bloc.

This means that the British would literally lose their access to the European Common Market overnight and should pay high fees to import food, medicine and other supplies.

The so-called "Brexit No-Deal" would also see the return of customs controls in ports and airports, which do not exist today. This would delay the entry and distribution of these products in the country.

Inventory can affect the current supply

In the case of drugs, the Ministry of Health has asked the people concerned not to stockpile, as this could affect the current supply . This would have a significant impact for people with chronic diseases or patients who need these drugs at present, as is the case for diabetics.

The Government states that it strives to guarantee a normal supply in the months immediately following Brexit. Authorities also argue that there is no reason to panic about food and that they are taking steps to minimize the possible shortage of products on the shelves.