New Brexit regulations could mean price hikes for customers and businesses, local eateries linked to the EU have warned.

As of January 31, all fresh animal and plant products imported from the EU require additional veterinary paperwork, although the health certificates will not be checked at the border until April.

Vito Ricciardi, 58, who owns the La Bottega Italiana deli in Market Street, said the checks would mean further price increases.

“The challenge is for small businesses, I can’t hold these price increases so I have to pass them on," he told the Watford Observer.

“I don’t know where the prices are going to go, and when customers think it’s unreasonable to pay, they will stop buying it.”

Watford Observer: Owner of La Bottega Italiana, Vito Ricciardi.Owner of La Bottega Italiana, Vito Ricciardi. (Image: Newsquest)

He added that his family has owned the business since 1976, and that Brexit - particularly the required labelling process - had disrupted the supply chain and led to products "vanishing" from his shelves.

Watford Observer: La Bottega Italiana on Market Street.La Bottega Italiana on Market Street. (Image: Newsquest)

The government has delayed the introduction of the border checks on fresh EU food five times since the post-Brexit trade deal came into force in January 2021, but it is now going ahead.

Toni Budo, 46, who owns Toni’s Greek Souvlaki and Coffee Bar in Watford Indoor Market, also said prices may need to increase.

He said: “80 per cent of my food comes from Greece so it’s a problem for both customers and businesses. I have to buy from Greece so it’s authentic.”

Watford Observer: Toni Budo owns the family-run Souvlaki stand in Watford Indoor Market.Toni Budo owns the family-run Souvlaki stand in Watford Indoor Market. (Image: Newsquest)

He opened the stalls, which he runs with his wife, son and daughter, as his first business two years ago, but he added: “I’m working more hours now and I don’t know what will happen for my business.”

L'artista's owner Franco Malanga said all prices for stock from Italy are increasing, but they are "trying to keep the restaurant prices the same and keep a positive attitude and see what happens".

"We may need to make some changes such as deals on bulk supply to get around it," he added.

However, Galiano Bar Restaurant in Vicarage Road was among several who said they were unaware of the incoming changes, while Meriden Fish Bar, Ocean Bells Coffee, and G Gibson Butchers said they would be unaffected because their products are not sourced from the EU.

Watford Observer: G. Gibson Butchers on The Parade.G. Gibson Butchers on The Parade. (Image: Newsquest)