Meat prices set to rise

Prices could rise 40% at Smithfield market this week

Supermarkets have warned that meat prices are likely to rise next week as stores plan costlier meat imports to cover dwindling British stocks.

Leading chains say they will import more lamb, pork and beef because they predict their shelves will be cleared of British stock in the next few days as foot-and-mouth restrictions continue.

There is little sign of panic buying by shoppers

Measures to allow farms unaffected by the outbreak to take animals to slaughter are not expected to impact on supermarket supplies until next weekend.

Buyers at domestic meat markets say prices could rise by up to 40%, while supermarkets predict price rises of up to 15%.

Asda has already run out of some British meat and is importing beef from the Irish Republic and lamb and pork from Holland.

A spokeswoman said the store would keep prices "as low as possible".

Soaring meat sales

Safeway has enough home-reared beef to last "several weeks" but is warning prices could rise 15% on lamb and pork if supplies have to be flown in.

If we do have to import then it is likely to put pressure on prices

Tesco spokesman

Somerfield said demand for poultry was up 60% and other meat sales up 54%. But most stores have enough supplies to last until the end of Sunday, said a spokeswoman.

There is little sign of widespread consumer panic buying, according to the supermarkets.

Both Sainsbury's and Tesco still have UK beef, pork and lamb in their stores.

Tesco has reported its "busiest meat week ever" selling 65% more lamb, 45% more beef and 35% more fish than usual.

"But people are not panic buying, it is just strong demand. It's people stocking up," said a spokesman.

The chain has enough supplies to last until the middle of the week when it is hoped the new domestic slaughtering licences will be operating.

"If we do have to import then it is likely to put pressure on prices," the Tesco spokesman added.

Sainsbury's will have run out of British lamb by the end of the weekend and British pork by the early next week but said local beef was in good supply.

A spokesman said customers were not panicking, just buying "a bit more than normal".

Rising prices

At London's Smithfield market, cuts of meat are already 25% more expensive than before the disease outbreak.

Buyers predict they will continue to rise by as much as 40%.

The following meat prices per kilo were being reported by supermarkets this weekend.

Safeway:

• Topside beef - £6.69
• Leg of lamb - £6.39
• Leg of pork - £3.69

Sainsbury's:

• Topside beef - £6.29
• Leg of lamb - £6.85
• Leg of pork - £3.49

Tesco:

• Topside beef - £4.89
• Leg of lamb - £5.52
• Leg of pork - £2.75

Asda:

• Topside beef - £4.89
• Leg of lamb - £5.64
• Leg of pork - £2.86