
// Tesco issues warning to consumers not to panic buy after a mass shopping spree on Monday
// Shoppers panicked following France’s decision to close borders
// Rival Sainsbury’s warned that food may begin to disappear from shelves just days after Franceās ban
Tesco has issued a warning after shoppers were seen panic-buying following France’s decision to close borders.
The Big 4 grocer ensured households it has plenty of food for Christmas and has also encouraged customers to “shop as normal”.
Tesco is currently looking at using ferries direct from Spain and increasing stock from the UK to deal with the disruption.
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However, it warned that “there may be reduced supply on a few fresh items, such as lettuce, cauliflower and citrus fruit later this week, but we don’t expect any problems with availability on these lines today or tomorrow”.
“We’ve been building our stockholding of key products ahead of the Christmas peak and are working closely with our hauliers and suppliers to continue the supply of goods into our stores,” Tesco said.
āWeāre doing everything we can to limit the impact for our customers.ā
The supermarket rush on Monday was prompted by news that the French had imposed a 48 hour ban on travel from the UK in a measure that includes freight.
Moreover, those in the new tier system added to the shopping spree as they also hit stores early to buy Christmas supplies after the ban came into practice on Sunday.
On Monday, fellow Big 4 grocer Sainsburyās warned that food may begin to disappear from its shelves within days after Franceās ban on freight from the UK.
The grocer said there would be shortages on products including lettuce, salad leaves and cauliflowers if transport ties with France are not restored immediately.
Despite the warning, Sainsburyās ensured it had āplentyā of products needed for āthe Great British Christmas lunchā.
āIf nothing changes we will start to see gaps over the coming days on lettuce, salad leaves, cauliflowers, broccoli, citrus fruit – all of which are imported from EU at this time of year,” Sainsbury’s said.
“We hope UK and French governments can come to a solution that prioritises immediate passage of produce and food.ā
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