Lidl is the latest UK supermarket chain to limit the amount of fruit and vegetables customers can buy due to a lack of fresh produce, the BBC reports. Store officials say “extreme weather events in Spain and Morocco” have affected the amount of produce needed for the salad.

On Monday, the company said it had imposed a limit of three tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers per customer due to “recent demand”.

Lidl’s decision is identical to measures taken by rivals Tesco, Aldi, Asda and Morrisons after some consumers were left with empty shelves.

“Extreme weather phenomena” are to blame.

UK supermarkets are struggling after extreme weather destroyed vegetable crops overseas.

A Lidl representative told the BBC that “extreme weather events in Spain and Morocco” had affected the amount of produce needed for the salad.

“Despite the fact that most of our stores have good availability, due to the recent increase in demand, we have taken the decision to temporarily limit the purchase of tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers to three units per person. This will help us ensure that all our customers have access to the products they need,” Lidl said.

UK Agriculture Minister Mark Spencer is due to meet with supermarket chain executives on Monday. Its purpose is to “find out from them what they are doing to replenish the counters and how they are going to avoid a repeat of the current situation,” the press release states.

Continental European shelves full of fresh produce

Unlike the UK, most other European countries have been less affected by extreme weather events in North Africa.

Images on social media show store shelves in continental Europe are still stocked with fresh produce.

This has led to speculation that Brexit is the main reason why the UK is facing supply problems.

Wholesalers, importers and retailers interviewed by the BBC say the situation is more difficult as Britain faces challenges.

For example, the UK has lower domestic vegetable production, while fresh produce supply chains are more complex.