British supermarkets impose rationing due to vegetable shortages

Though largely self-sufficient in summer, Britain typically imports 95% of tomatoes and 90% of lettuces until March

Social media was awash with pictures of empty fruit and vegetable shelves in Britain, with tomatoes in particular short supply. Picture: Alamy Stock

Britain is facing a shortage of vegetables, particularly tomatoes, after supermarket supplies were hit by disrupted harvests in southern Europe and north Africa, prompting two major grocers to limit customer purchases.

Asda, Britain's third largest grocer, said it had introduced a temporary three pack limit for purchases of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, salad bags, broccoli, cauliflower, and also raspberries.