Shoppers are being urged by retailers to buy responsibly during the coronavirus outbreak as shelves are being stripped bare by panicking customers.
British Retail Consortium members sent a joint letter to consumers urging everyone to work together to ensure there is enough food for the country as panic buying sweeps across the UK.
Shoppers have been loading their trolleys with essentials including toilet paper, as fears intensify over the spread of Covid-19.
The killer bug has claimed the lives of 35 people in the UK.
Retailers are currently working "round the clock" to help customers get the items they need, the BRC said.
The letter aims to reassure customers, while calling on them to support each other during the crisis.
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It said: "We know that many of you are worried about the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).
"We want to let you know that we are doing everything we can so that you and your families have the food and essentials you need."
The letter added: "But we need your help too.
"We would ask everyone to be considerate in the way they shop.
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"We understand your concerns, but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without.
"There is enough for everyone if we all work together.
"Together we can make sure we are looking out for family, friends, neighbours.
"Together we will care for those around us and those who are elderly, vulnerable or choosing to remain at home."
Panic-buying has been so problematic that Aldi has put in restrictions so that shoppers will only be allowed to purchase four units of all products.
The company's customers have been stockpiling toilet roll, pasta, hand wash, sanitiser gels and pain killers leaving vulnerable people unable to buy what they need during their weekly shop.
Many other supermarkets have placed limits on certain items which are in high demand – but it is believed Aldi is the first supermarket to place the restrictions an all products.
In a statement on its Facebook page, Aldi said: "To our customers,
"We know that many of you are worried about the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). We want to let you know that we are doing everything we can so that you and your families have the food and essentials you need.
"We are working closely with the Government and our suppliers to keep food moving quickly through the system and making more deliveries to our stores to ensure our shelves are stocked. Those of us with online delivery and click-and-collect services are running them at full capacity to help you get the products you need when you need them.
"We thank all our colleagues in stores and supply chains who are working day and night to keep the nation fed.
"But we need your help too.
"We would ask everyone to be considerate in the way they shop. We understand your concerns but buying more than is needed can sometimes mean that others will be left without. There is enough for everyone if we all work together.
"Together we can make sure we are looking out for family, friends, neighbours. Together we will care for those around us and those who are elderly, vulnerable or choosing to remain at home.
"We are doing all we can to rise to this challenge. Serving you and keeping you and everyone who works with us safe will always be our priority."
Firms are working closely with the Government and suppliers, and have arranged more store deliveries to ensure shelves are stocked, the letter added.
And outlets with online delivery and click-and-collect services are running them at full capacity.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "Retailers are working incredibly hard to keep shops well stocked and deliveries running as smoothly as possible.
"In the face of unprecedented demand as a result of coronavirus, food retailers have come together to ask their customers to support each other to make sure everyone can get access to the products they need."
Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said: "I fully support the call from British food retailers urging us all to be considerate in the way we shop and look out for our neighbours.
"By working together, our leading supermarkets have provided the reassurance there is plenty of stock available and people should buy products as they normally would.
"We are in regular contact with the food industry and retailers are continuing to monitor their supply chains and are taking all the necessary steps to ensure consumers have the food and supplies they need."
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