British meat 'scarce by the weekend'

British meat has been in great demand

Consumers face uncertain supplies of meat in their supermarkets as retail experts predict that British meat could run out by the weekend.

Despite pleas to avoid panic-buying since the start of the UK's foot-and-mouth crisis, the disruption to the supply of British meat has led to fears of price increases as new imports plug the gap.

The high level of competition between retailers means most price rises could be absorbed in the short term

British Retail Consortium

Livestock industry leaders and supermarkets are hoping that the government's plan to allow the licensed transfer of disease-free animals to abattoirs for slaughter will be rapidly put into effect and will solve supply problems.

Supermarkets have also seen an increase in sales of poultry, unaffected by the movement ban, apparently as shoppers begin to choose alternatives to red meat.

Trade disrupted

Jon Bullock, of the Meat and Livestock Commission, told BBC News Online that British lamb and pork would become "fairly scarce" by the end of the week.

He said beef, which takes longer to "mature", will follow over the weekend.

And he said the result could be an increase in prices, as normal trade was disrupted and import costs incurred.

"All retailers are looking to source from import, trying to suck in imports to breach the gap.

We believe the government's plans for licensed slaughter under controlled conditions are crucial to easing the situation

John Church
Tesco

"We wouldn't be surprised to see some prices rises."

Mr Bullock said the effects on supply of the proposed scheme for licensed slaughter of disease-free animals was unknown.

"It depends on how quickly and how much meat goes through. We are waiting to get some details.

"A lot of supermarkets are reporting quite big increases in trade but some get periodic increases.

Extra imports

"There is some evidence of panic-buying or stocking up but shelves aren't being cleared."

A spokesman for the British Retail Consortium said there had not been many reports of panic-buying.

And he maintained that while supermarkets' move towards extra imports to plug any gap would mean extra costs, the consumer might not initially bear the brunt.

"The high level of competition between retailers means most price rises could be absorbed in the short term.

"But at markets such as Smithfield in London the meat that has been available has risen greatly in price."

Vital scheme

The spokesman admitted that the licensing scheme could be vital.

"There is enough British meat to last until the weekend.

"The announcement of licences for animals to go straight from farm to abattoir should mean a supply of British meat."

One Asda "hypermarket" in Wakefield, West Yorkshire has already run out of pork and lamb with rival chain Somerfield warning of possible prices rises and Waitrose reporting "excessive" demand on poultry.

Tesco spokesman John Church admitted that Wednesday had seen a "fairly steep" jump in meat sales as well as poultry.

Deliveries continue

But he insisted: "We are continuing to deliver large quantities of all cuts to our stores.

"We haven't had to bring in extra imports nor have we increased prices.

"We believe the government's plans for licensed slaughter under controlled conditions are crucial to easing the situation."

And Tesco cannot rule out price increases if British meat runs out.

Mr Church said: "If imported meat comes in there is going to be pressure on price although we will work hard to minimise it."