AN UNLIKELY food shortage has hit Huddersfield - lard lovers can't get their favourite fat.

Some supermarkets have not had lard for more than six weeks and bakers are getting angry.

The reason for the shortage, which has hit much of the UK, is the expansion of the European Union.

When the 10 new countries, including Poland, Estonia and the Czech Republic, joined the EU in May they were forced to pay a levy to import lard from outside member countries.

Instead they have started using cheaper European lard.

Award-winning pieman Andrew Jones, who owns ARJ Butchers in Marsh and Brighouse, was warned about the shortage and stocked up on lard months ago.

He said: "My supplier has told me the reason is the East European's love for salami.

"I have enough lard to get me through and the suppliers also have a stock pile. The biggest problem is the price - it has rocketed."

The shortage is not likely to be over before Christmas - seriously threatening festive treats for those with lard in their recipes.

Keen baker Sylvia Jackson, of Meltham, says the shortage is playing havoc with her pastries.

"I have not been able to get any lard for more than six weeks now," she said.

"I think it is ridiculous that we don't produce our own lard in Britain to stop these types of shortages.

"I have been thinking about writing to my MP about the problem."

When the Examiner paid a visit to supermarkets in the Huddersfield area, the shelves of Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrison's had no lard on them.

A Tesco spokesman said: "There is less lard available. We are working with our suppliers so that Tesco customers will continue to be able to get the products they want."

* Lard is rendered and clarified fat.

* Lard is richer than many other fats and makes tender, flaky biscuits and pastries.

* One tablespoon of lard contains 13 grams of fat, 116 calories and 12 milligrams of cholesterol.

* Cross-channel swimmers smear themselves in lard to keep warm during their marathon swim.