The environment secretary has stated that there may be a month-long shortage of some fruits and vegetables.
Therese Coffey made her remark after Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, and Tesco imposed restrictions on products like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers.
Ms. Coffey stated in the Commons that she believed "the situation will last about another two to four weeks.".
She added that ministers were discussing ways to prevent similar issues in the future with retailers.
The poor weather in southern Europe and Africa is largely to blame for the shortages.
Additionally, because of high energy costs, some producers are limiting greenhouse farming in the UK and the Netherlands.
We expect the situation to last another two to four weeks, Ms. Coffey responded in the Commons to an urgent question.
We must make every effort to obtain alternative sourcing options, it is crucial. " .
The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra), according to her, has already spoken with retailers.
"This is the reason there will be additional discussions facilitated by ministers as well, so that we can try to move past this and try to avert similar circumstances in the future. ".
"There is genuine public concern about the availability of food, and as the secretary responsible for our food security - and let's keep in mind that food security is national security - this is absolutely mission critical," said Jim McMahon, the shadow environment secretary. ".
According to Ms. Coffey, "Industry has the ability, resources, and knowledge to respond to disruption, and where necessary, my department will further support and facilitate that.
"I would like to reaffirm that UK food security is resilient, and we continue to anticipate that industry will be able to manage supply issues through alternative sourcing options.
. "