Britishers red-faced over tomato shortages, rationing of the red vegetable at supermarkets in UK

Gulf Today Report

Britishers are red-faced over tomato shortages in the country, as certain supermarket chains start selling just three pieces each of the much-loved red vegetable to customers. A similar quantity is permissible for peppers and cucumbers.

And all because the United Kingdom is facing an acute shortage of the salad vegetables.

Bad weather is affecting crop output in Spain and Morocco, which are the UK’s principal suppliers of fresh produce in the winter.

Result: several British supermarket chains have limited the amount of some fresh fruits and vegetables that customers can buy.

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Tesco, the UK’s largest grocery chain, said it would allow each customer to buy just three items each of tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. Rival chains Aldi and Morrisons have made similar rationing.

The empty shelves have become a hot-button political issue. Those who opposed Britain’s exit from the European Union are squarely blaming Brexit for the fruit and vegetable shortages.

Industry analysts say the main defaulter is Ireland, an EU member. This cold island that relies on seasonal imports also has seen supplies of some fresh vegetables dwindling.

The shortages are expected to last a few weeks.