COVID-related absences among transport workers is disrupting supermarket supply chains, with empty shelves and purchase limits across the country.
Logistics operators reported between a third and half of their workforce were missing each day due to COVID illness or isolation.
Supermarkets said the shortages occurring in some stores weren't caused by panic buying, but by delays in deliveries and supply chain difficulties.
So far, only Coles has reintroduced purchase limits. They apply in all states and territories, except Western Australia.
Customers can buy a maximum of two packets of mince, chicken breast, chicken thigh and sausages, and a maximum of one rapid antigen test.
Woolworths has had purchase limits on rapid antigen kits since last year. Customers are currently limited to one pack per purchase.
The company said it was having supply issues in New South Wales and Queensland for a variety of products.
Nationally, poultry and some meat products may be in reduced supply at Woolworths.
"Stores may have reduced availability of some products at points throughout the day before they receive their next delivery, however we're continuing to restock our shelves as often as possible."
Coles said it would continue to monitor product availability and asked customers to buy only what they needed.
"We have also seen an increased number of our own team being required to isolate, and we continue to monitor team member availability across our business."
Aldi said the ongoing COVID-19 situation meant additional pressure on its operations and it would "continue to do its best to minimise any disruption to our customers".
The Transport Workers Union said Australia’s supply chain was under significant pressure.
National secretary Michael Kaine said the federal government had failed to prioritise rapid antigen tests for the country's most mobile workforce.
"We have a completely predictable scenario where drivers are delivering rapid tests to be sold on the shelves of supermarkets and pharmacies — but they, like most Australians, can't access them themselves," he said.
"It is vital that rapid tests are free and readily available. The government must prioritise access to transport workers and their employers who the community is again depending upon to keep Australia moving safely."
The Victorian Farmers Federation has also urged both the federal and Victorian governments to fast-track the supply of rapid antigen tests for supply chain workers.
"The less workers there are to maintain our supply chains, the more vulnerable it becomes, and this directly threatens our food security," president Emma Germano said.
"Time is ticking, we need action, leadership and guidance now."
Yesterday the federal government removed regular COVID testing requirements for truck drivers in a bid to ease pressure on the strained testing regime.
"And that system is under strain because of the high case numbers.
"But that is the nature of Omicron, you have just got to keep pushing through."
