According to the environment secretary, there could be a month-long shortage of some fruits and vegetables.
After Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, and Tesco imposed restrictions on products like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, Therese Coffey made her statement.
Ms. Coffey predicted that "the situation will last about another two to four weeks" while speaking to lawmakers in the Commons.
She added that ministers were speaking with retailers about how to prevent similar issues in the future.
The poor weather in southern Europe and Africa has been a major contributor to the shortages.
In addition, some producers are limiting greenhouse farming in the UK and the Netherlands as a result of high energy costs.
We anticipate the situation will last another two to four weeks, Ms. Coffey said in response to a pressing question in the House of Commons.
"It's crucial that we make an effort to secure alternative sourcing options. " .
She claimed that Defra, the Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, had already spoken with retailers.
In order to try to move past this and try to prevent similar situations in the future, there will be additional discussions led by ministers as well. ".
Jim McMahon, the shadow environment secretary, said: "As the secretary responsible for our food security - and let's remember that food security is national security - this is absolutely mission critical. There is genuine public concern about the availability of food. ".
"Industry has the ability, levers, and expertise to respond to disruption, and where necessary, my department will further support and enable that," Ms. Coffey continued.
"I want to reiterate that UK food security is still strong, and we continue to count on business to find alternate sources of supply to help manage supply issues.
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