Hospitals could run out of much of the imported food that goes into millions of patient meals in the event of a no-deal Brexit, the Department of Health and Social Care has admitted in a letter to all NHS trusts in England. The letter – part of the government’s cross-departmental planning for a no-deal Brexit – shows the concern about practical difficulties for key public services from border delays and increased trade friction in the event of no deal. The Observer understands planning is also under way to prepare organisations that provide meals to schools, prisons and care homes. He said the fact the department had sent the letter to trusts suggested ministers now believed a no-deal was ever more likely. He said about 40% of food provided to in-patients was imported from the EU, much of it under the “just-in-time” system, which ensures speedy delivery.

Source: The Guardian November 10, 2018 13:00 UTC