The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned against new proposals for food storage regulation, claiming the measures could cost UK businesses millions of pounds.
The plans, currently the subject of a European Commission consultation, would tighten up the existing food hygiene regulations. According to the BRC, the cost of buying new equipment to comply with the legislation could lumber British retailers with a bill of up to £100m.
“This is a prime example of unnecessary business regulation making it harder for retailers to invest and grow,” said BRC food director Andrew Opie. “It's time for ministers to prove their commitment to better regulation by supporting the fight against them.”
Mr Opie insisted that the retail industry is already subject to stringent regulation ensuring that food is kept at a suitable temperature during storage and transport. He called on the government to live up to its pledge to cut red tape by opposing the new rules.
Last month, the BRC urged chancellor George Osborne to do more to support the retail sector, expressing concern about lingering weakness in consumer spending.
