Many supermarkets across Stoke-on-Trent have started to ration fruit and vegetables as bad weather in Europe and Africa disrupts supplies. 

Severe weather conditions abroad over the past month have impacted crop yields and many produce-carrying ferries have been cancelled. 

This means that shoppers have struggled to buy fresh produce in recent weeks. 

To combat its bare shelves, Tesco has introduced a temporary buying limit of three items per customer on tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.

Tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers are restricted in Tesco stores (Sarah Garner).

A Tesco spokesperson told Stoke Nub News they are working hard to ensure good availability for customers and availability in a specific store does not represent overall availability and as stores receive regular deliveries, does not show long-term availability on a store specific basis either. 

Morrisons is also limiting tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce and peppers to two per customer. 

Peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes are also limited to three per customer in Aldi stores. 

Asda is limiting tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, salad bags, broccoli, cauliflower and raspberries to three per customer.

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