KFC Australia using cabbage in wraps and burgers amid shortage of lettuce

KFC has been forced to put cabbage in its burgers and wraps in Australia because of a shortage of lettuce.

The fast food giant has told customers it is using a mixture of lettuce and cabbage after floods hit crops in the country.

On its website KFC Australia said: “Due to the recent floods in NSW [New South Wales] and QLD [Queensland] we’re currently experiencing a lettuce shortage. So, we’re using a lettuce and cabbage blend on all products containing lettuce until further notice.”

“If that’s not your bag, simply click ‘Customise’ on your chosen product and remove Lettuce from the Recipe,” it added, signing off with a smiley face emoji.

Shoppers in Australia have been hit with huge increases in the price of some fruit and vegetables, with social media users posting picture sof letuce costing over A$10 (£5.72) - three times the usual price.

Extreme weather events in Australia have compounded food supply issues being experienced around the world caused by the war in Ukraine and the coronavirus pandemic.

In January, KFC Australia had to change its menu due to a lack of chicken after the country’s biggest supplier was hit by staff shortages as a result of Covid-19.