Shoppers greeted with empty shelves in some Melton supermarkets

Several readers have contacted the Melton Times to express frustration at not being able to get certain fruit and vegetables in some of the stores.

The situation has become such an issue that Morrisons are limiting purchases of tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuces and peppers to two per customer.

Aldi are also now putting limits on fruit and veg purchases and Tesco has set a limit of only three per customer for tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers.

Sainsbury’s and Lidl have yet to bring in limits.

The shortages are being blamed on the effects on harvests of extreme weather in places like Spain and Africa.

The UK imports a lot of fruit and vegetables from these countries during this time of the year.

Authorities say the shortages should only last into March when supplies can be made from producers in this country as the UK growing season begins to kick in.