Government says shoppers must be 'responsible and think of others' during coronavirus crisis
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There is no shortage of food in the supply chain the government has said in it its latest daily update.
Food and Rural Affairs Secretary George Eustace issued a direct plea to shoppers in the face of ongoing panic buying.
"Be responsible when you shop and think of others," he said.
"Buying more than you need may leave others without.
"There is more than enough food to go around and the food supply chin is able to expand production to cope with demand."
The problem, he said, was shoppers stripping shelves faster than they can be replenished.
On that front, he added, that was why many supermarkets have introduced purchase limits on certain items and are now moving to recruit more staff to help ensure shelves remain stocked.
The government has also relaxed rules around driver working hours and delivery times as well as competition law, allowing supermarkets to work more closely together to co-ordinate their response to the unprecedented situation.
He said food retailers are used to dealing with spikes in demand, such as around Christmas, and there is "no risk" of food running out.
He also ruled out any move by the government to introduce widespread rationing.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, agreed that there is "plenty" of food in the supply chain, with £1 billion more food already in people' s homes than there was a few weeks ago.
"People should only buy what they need," she said.
Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England said panic buyers were denying NHS staff of the vital supplies they need.
