Consumers across the UK are trying to make ends meet as fresh fruit and vegetable stocks are slashed as a result of the bad weather conditions in Europe and Africa.
The domestic production of tomatoes and cucumbers is also lower than usual, as farmers have reduced planting amid the rising cost of heating.
The shortages have caused supermarkets to ration the number of fruit and vegetable shoppers can buy.
Tesco was the latest supermarket to limit purchases, joining Asda, Aldi, and Morrisons.
An Asda spokesman commented on the matter, saying: “Like other supermarkets, we are experiencing sourcing challenges on some products that are grown in southern Spain and north Africa.
“We have introduced a temporary limit of three of each product on a very small number of fruit and vegetable lines, so customers can pick up the products they are looking for.”
Here is a look at which food items have been rationed and how much customers are allowed to buy.
Asda fruit and veg rations
Asda shoppers are limited to a maximum of three of the following items:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Lettuce
- Salad bags
- Broccoli
- Cauliflowers
- Raspberries
Morrisons fruit and veg rations
Morrisons customers can buy up to two of the following items:
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Lettuce
- Peppers
Aldi fruit and veg rations
Aldi is limiting the following items to three per customer:
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
Tesco fruit and veg rations
Tesco is limiting the following items to three per customer:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Cucumbers
How long will the shortages last?
Environment Secretary Therese Coffey has confirmed that the shortages are set to last for two to four more weeks.
The British Tomato Growers’ Association also shared that, with the upcoming British tomato-growing season, the tomato stocks are hoping to be replenished by the end of March or the start of April.
Minette Batters, the National Farmers’ Union president, said that the domestic production of salad, including cucumbers and tomatoes, has “fallen to its lowest level since records began in 1985”.