The Washington PostThe Washington Post

Britain is running out of salad. Let us explain.

By Ellen Francis and Jennifer Hassan

23 Feb 2023 · 3 min read

Editor's Note

British supermarkets are limiting sales of lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers. Some blame Brexit, calling the situation "Vegxit." But it likely has more to do with the weather. The Post explains.

LONDON - Some British supermarket chains are rationing lettuce. But that's just the tip of the iceberg.

The country's shortage of salad ingredients, including tomatoes, stems from poor weather in southern Europe and North Africa affecting harvests and energy price hikes hitting farmers in Britain, government and industry officials say. It has also prompted a debate about the importance of tomatoes in the cuisine.

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