THE island’s two biggest supermarket chains ran out of milk yesterday on the third day of production problems at the Dairy. The Checkers Superstore and all Checkers Xpress outlets had none by early morning, many having run out the previous evening.

Director of store operations Mark Cox was concerned that the same would happen today.

‘A lot of customers are getting very frustrated, but most are accepting that the precautionary measures had to be taken,’ he said.

The St Sampson’s Co-op also ran out before the daily delivery.

Rounds will be delayed even further today because the Dairy predicts that no milk will be released before 11.30am.

Co-op marketing manager Jim Plumley attributed shortages of stock to panic buying and urged customers just to purchase their normal amount.

‘Our stores are taking in as much as can be supplied and often more than normal, but demand is outstripping supply,’ he said.

‘We don’t see the situation changing before the weekend, but, according to what the Dairy is telling us, hopefully it will be back to normal by next week.’

The delays are the knock-on effect of the Dairy’s precautionary measures in response to abnormal bacteria levels found in some stock.

Yesterday, all varieties were released as promised from 11.30am, but most milkmen had to work late into the afternoon to complete rounds which would normally be completed by mid-morning. But milkmen and customers are working together to cope with delayed deliveries.

Retailer Sue McCathie said customers on her 150-stop round had accepted the difficult situation and adapted well.

‘Some left cool boxes outside their houses and others made a point of being home to collect deliveries. Where no one was home, I tried to leave milk behind plant pots or in whatever shade I could find,’ she said.

Mrs McCathie telephoned as many of her customers as she could on Wednesday night to advise them of delays, but said it was impossible to contact everyone.

She arrived at the Dairy at 10am.

‘To give the Dairy its due, all milk came out as promised at 10.55 and staff had obviously been working very hard to get it ready.

‘The staff are clearly under extreme pressure to put things right, but we have to wonder whether the problems are down to the financial cutbacks that have been made.’

She said the Dairy’s handling of the situation was improving.

‘Communication is not their strong point, but they will learn from this and I am sure will keep the retailers better informed in future.’