Local authorities have been advised to plan ahead to protect food supplies after Brexit.

The City University, University of London, University of Sussex and the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health (CIEH) have collectively advised councils to set up “food resilience teams” and prepare for all Brexit scenarios.

Risks identified in their research include price changes, reduced food availability, lower safety standards, supply disruption, border delays and even public disorder.

According to the research, which has been published in an advisory notice sent to all councils in the UK, every form of Brexit will affect the food system in some way, particularly a no-deal scenario.

The researchers have encouraged councils to conduct risk assessments for their local areas in case of food supply issues – including preparing for any social unrest that might arise.

The advice notice states there is wide agreement within local authorities that some level of preparation for food supply after Brexit is “both possible and sensible”.

Authorities have been told they should map out existing food supplies in their area, identify where risks and potential disruptions in food supply chains lie, find out what the local limit of stockpiling food supplies is and be prepared to convey this information to both the Government and the public.

The document highlights the role councils play in managing food safety standards, but researchers believe the Government has not given local authorities enough advice on how to prepare for a no-deal Brexit.

Tony Lewis, head of policy at CIEH, said: “Local authorities have been asking us for practical advice on how to prepare for a food Brexit – this document contains that advice.”

Erik Millstone, professor of science policy at the University of Sussex, said: “The impact of Brexit on food supplies will depend on where people live. Those furthest from Channel ports will be at greatest risk of shortages, which is important for local authorities because their locations will make big differences.”

Cllr Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge Council said: “The motion we proposed at full council last Thursday, that was opposed by the Conservatives, will see us looking at the impact of Brexit. Our officers will be looking at all the avenues.

“This is something that is worrying, we are in uncharted waters. But we cannot hope, we have to prepare.”

Cllr Clyde Loakes, Waltham Forest Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for the environment, said: “Waltham Forest Council is preparing for the UK’s exit from the EU to ensure that the services residents rely upon are maintained. We continue to review our business continuity plans, and will stress test our preparedness for the worst-case scenarios.”