TESCO is forcing customers to take just one item each of essentials such as milk, bread and eggs in many Express stores.
The rationing measures have been introduced as shoppers continue to stockpile in the face of coronavirus.
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Rationing was announced through signs on shelves, indicating which items are limited to just one per head according to the Sunday Times.
The measures are being put into effect at the discretion of individual stores and their circumstances in order to cope with local demand and balance supply.
Tesco refused to rule out the one-item limit becoming more widespread.
The supermarket chain has said that they are finding understanding demand “very difficult right now”, calling the recent trend of unnecessary panic buying and stockpiling “a fluid situation”.
Tesco originally introduced a five-item limit on all products but later cut this to a three-item cap, with the exception of painkillers and loo rolls, which are restricted to two items per customer.
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A Tesco spokesman said: “We are reliant on stores giving updates on what is happening in their local areas and they would be working to understand how best to get products to customers.”
The chain has also told online customers this weekend that they can only buy a maximum of 80 items for home delivery.
Other supermarkets have introduced similar capping schemes in response to coronavirus stockpiling.
Sainsbury’s has a three-item cap on most products and a two-item limit on long-life milk, loo rolls and soap. Aldi has a four-item cap.
Milk and eggs were among the food items rationed during and after the Second World War when adults were restricted to just one fresh egg a week.
What shoppers need to do now
Firstly, don’t panic. Take a look around your kitchen and fridge and work out if you have enough food to last you for a two-week isolation period.
Make a list of meals you could cook or have and then work out what you would need to buy.
If the UK does enter a lockdown situation then supermarkets and pharmacies will remain open.
You will still be able to visit them – unless you’re self-isolating.
Remember, family and friends will be able to bring you supplies should you not be able to leave the house.
We’ve created a guide on how to stockpile for a two-week isolation.
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