British meat supplies are running dangerously low as many supermarkets predict having only enough stocks to last into early next week.
The major supermarket chains have reported record sales as shoppers stockpiled meat.
However, they say there has not been the level of panic buying seen during last autumn's fuel crisis when shelves nationwide were left bare.
The supermarkets say they are ready to import meat if the foot-and-mouth disease restrictions limit UK supplies and warned that this may force up prices.
A spokeswoman for Somerfield said: "By the end of tomorrow some areas will not be able to get all types of British meat, but it will be random throughout our stores.
We will not be totally running out of British meat but our usual amount won't be available.
"While currently stocks last the price will not change but as and when we have to buy elsewhere, the prices may rise."
Demand for poultry at Somerfield stores nationwide was up 60 per cent and all other meats sales were up by 54 per cent, and British pork and lamb supplies were running low.
A spokesman for Tesco says the chain has adequate supplies to carry it through the weekend and into the middle of next week.
The chain had its "busiest meat week ever" and sold more chicken than in the Christmas week.
Safeway said it had adequate cuts of pork and lamb to last until next week, although it was already making plans to start importing. It warned customers to expect as much as a 15 per cent rise on both meats, although said it still had enough home-reared beef to last several weeks.
PA