ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

Britons are expected to be told to change their diet in the event of a chaotic Brexit to cope with food delays.

The Times reported that Whitehall predicts some sources of fresh food from the European Union countries would be cut off.

Plans on food supplies if Britain leaves without a deal have been shown to the paper, which said a number of sites for massive hangars to stockpile food have been identified.

One of the sites is near Carlisle and others are in Scotland on the south coast.

Officials believe there will be an issue with perishable goods that come from the EU, rather than a shortage of food in general.

If the EU limits trade or requires stringent checks, there could be delays receiving fruit from Spain or vegetables from the Netherlands.

Ian Wright, director-general of the Food and Drink Federation, told the Times: “This illustrates the really grisly nature of a no-deal outcome. Quite simply, the British people would not forgive anyone responsible for it coming to pass.”

While 60 percent of food is produced in the UK and 40 percent is important, changing seasons means that in March, Britain imports up to 70 percent, according to the federation.

The Times reports that there is some uncertainty about who is responsible getting food to remote communities, with suggestions it could fall to local authorities.

The government has removed the claim that a no-deal Brexit is “unlikely” from dozens of contingency plans.