Leaving the European Union could have a "significant impact" on food and drink, Brexit minister Mike Russell has warned, raising fears that consumers could have to pay more for products.

Mr Russell made the comments ahead of a meeting with key figures from the sector.

Food Standards Scotland chair Ross Finnie - a former Liberal Democrat minister in the Scottish Executive - is chairing talks examining how food and drinks firms will deal with the challenges of selling their products in Europe in the aftermath of Brexit.

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Mr Russell fears shoppers will be affected as a result of the UK exiting the EU.

He said: "The Scottish Government believes that leaving the single market and customs union risks our access to Scotland's biggest overseas food and drink export market, and there is a danger that Brexit could have a significant impact on the cost and quality of produce consumed in Scotland."

Some in the sector are concerned Brexit will cause difficulties for firms in recruiting and retaining workers.

In addition to this, Mr Russell said there were "continuing questions" about what the trading relationship with the 27 remaining EU states will be like.

He added: "This underlines why the Scottish Parliament must retain control over devolved matters such as food standards, labelling and safety - to maintain Scotland's high standards - and why the Parliament voted overwhelmingly not to consent to the Withdrawal Bill as it currently stands."

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He described the meeting in Edinburgh as "an opportunity for Scottish businesses to discuss the practical impacts of Brexit, whether that is market access, protecting employees, future customs arrangements or protecting the value and reputation of our produce".

Mr Finnie said: "Food Standards Scotland's view is that any change in food regulations as a result of the UK's exit from the EU should not cause Scottish consumers to experience any reduction in Scotland's high standards of food safety and food authenticity, or any change to the provision of healthy eating advice for people living in Scotland.

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"Internal markets can operate effectively with a mixture of shared and differing rules.

"Intervening in the market for reasons of public interest, such as the protection of public health, is a long-established principle and should not be compromised.

"It is our firm belief that Food Standards Scotland is best-placed to ensure the continued protection of public health in Scotland in relation to food."