Asda and Morrisons have each explained their decision to place purchase limits on some fruits and vegetables at stores across the UK.
Current adverse weather conditions in regions of southern Europe and northern Africa are unfortunately causing disruption to the growing of some crops – including tomatoes and peppers.
And with this, then added to that fact that production of some fruits and vegetables grown in British heated and covered buildings – such as cucumbers and tomatoes – was already falling, according to the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), you may have noticed that the fresh produce sections at your local supermarkets are looking a little more bare than usual.
The NFU warned earlier this week that a range of British vegetables were at risk of being rationed as farmers struggle with high energy costs amid the cost of living crisis.
“I think there are going to be challenges on availability of some food items,” NFU president Minette Batters conceded.
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Now, that warning has become a reality at two of the country’s major supermarket chains.
Asda and Morrisons explain their decisions to restrict some fruit and veg sales / Credit: Asda & Morrisons
Asda announced yesterday that it has made the decision to temporarily limit the purchase of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, salad bags, broccoli, cauliflower, and raspberries to three of each item per customer.
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Morrisons followed suit by saying it would also introduce a limit of two items per customer across tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and peppers from today (Wednesday).
The two supermarket chains have now given further insight into their decisions to introduce the purchase limits, and address how long they believe the limits will be in place for – with a spokesperson for Asda saying: “Like other supermarkets, we are experiencing sourcing challenges on some products that are grown in southern Spain and North Africa.
“We have introduced a temporary limit of three of each product on a very small number of fruit and vegetable lines, so customers can pick up the products they are looking for.”
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Purchase limits come into force today / Credit: Unsplash
Ms Batters revealed that the NFU believes that vegetables grown in fields, such as cauliflowers, potatoes, and purple sprouted broccoli, are the ones next likely to be impacted by production shortages due to weather conditions in growing regions.
Other British supermarkets are understood to be considering limits similar to Asda and Morrisons, although no other restrictions have been announced as of yet.
Featured Image – Aldi
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd February 2023 
