// Asda, Aldi, Morrisons, Tesco and Waitrose have all run out of turnips following comments from the UK’s environment secretary
// Thérèse Coffey urged consumers on Thursday to eat them and other root veg amid fresh produce shortage
British supermarkets have run out of turnips following comments from the UK’s environment secretary urging consumers to eat them amid the fruit and veg shortage.
Thérèse Coffey suggested turnips and other root vegetables were a suitable alternative while tomatoes, peppers and lettuce among others remain in short supply due to poor weather in southern Spain and north Africa.
The root vegetable is now out of stock in Aldi, Waitrose and Tesco, with the latter suggesting shoppers purchase swedes instead.
Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free
Sign up here to get the latest news straight into your inbox each morning
Asda and Morrisons have also run out of turnips online and is offering up swedes instead as well.
Coffey warned parliament on Thursday that the fruit and veg shortage could last up to a month.
“I’m led to believe by my officials, after discussion with industry and retailers, we anticipate this situation will last about another two to four weeks.
“It’s important that we try and make sure we get different sourcing options, and that’s why the [environment] department has already been in discussion with retailers, and why there will be further discussions led by ministers as well.”
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
