Supermarkets ration items to stop shoppers panic buying

Supermarkets have placed restrictions on items including pasta, anti-bacterial wipes and hand soap in a bid to prevent shoppers from stockpiling.

Shelves across the country have been emptied of goods, including toilet paper, after Public Health England urged members of the public to “plan ahead” for if they had to self-isolate for a couple of weeks.

However, the government’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance said there is “absolutely no reason” for the British public to panic buy.

Tesco has almost entirely sold out of dried pasta online and has now introduced a five limit number on several items, including anti-bacterial wipes, gels, and long-life milk.

No other supermarket has resorted to rationing food, however the majority are now limiting antibacterial gels to two per customer – or have sold out entirely.

The full list of restrictions at each supermarket is as follows:

Tesco – Five-item limit on a number of items including pasta, anti-bacterial wipes, gels and sprays, and long-life milk. Started online yesterday and in stores on Saturday.

Waitrose – Only online at the moment, and only includes restrictions on certain anti-bacterial soaps and wipes.

Morrisons – No restrictions on any items at the moment.

Aldi – Not yet responded, but antibacterial hand gel not available online.

Asda – Hand sanitiser restricted to two per person both in-store and online. No food restrictions. Many antibacterial products out of stock online. Sainsburys – No limits on purchases. Lidl – Did not confirm restrictions. Ocado – Has not yet responded, but no limits on products online.

Picture: PA. Shelves have been emptied of some goods at many stores.