Sahara dust warning

Supermarket chains Aldi and Tesco have issued an urgent warning to all Lanarkshire shoppers who purchase any fruit and veg from their shelves.

The two popular grocers have advised shoppers to wash their fruit and veg after they are purchased due to potential contamination concerns.

It comes as the Sahara Desert dust cloud swept across the Mediterranean earlier last month, leading Spanish authorities to issue“extremely poor air quality ratings”for a large band of the country.

The dust cloud has led to some supermarkets urging their shoppers to take extra precautions in case fruit and veg have been contaminated with the dust.

Now Tesco has said the dust has affected some of its Spanish crops.

It has posted a notice on its website urging people to wash produce before eating.

It said:“due to the recent winds from the Sahara Desert, a small amount of dust has settled on our Spanish crops. Please ensure you wash your fruit and veg products before enjoying.”

Signs have also been spotted in Aldi stores, stating:“please give your veg an extra rinse. Due to recent winds from the Sahara Desert, a small amount of dust may have settled in some of our packs.”

The dust cloud moved across Europe in mid March. People reported glowing orange skies.

The mass of hot air and orange hue was strongest in Murcia and Madrid – with images taken from the streets below showing the eerie phenomenon lighting up the skies.

Spanish officials warned the public to wear face masks while outside and to stay indoors for as long as possible. People found the streets and their cars covered in a bright orange dust. People in Spain were urged to wear face masks if they went outside and to avoid outdoor exercise.