Shoppers have been forced to stock up on penis-shaped pasta amid the food shortage caused by COVID-19.

In many places, particularly Europe, there has been an increase in panic buying as countries go into lockdown and others encourage self-isolation and social distancing. This has resulted in a shortage of many household staples including toilet roll, tinned goods, and pasta.

Now, amid the shortage, people desperate to get their hands on some carbs, have resorted to buying penis-shaped pasta instead.

Trump cries 'Oh F***, I got a pen mark' moments before his coronavirus address:

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One of the retailers trying to help people through this difficult time in the UK is adult lingerie and toy store company Ann Summers.

They are currently selling the penis-shaped pasta below for £5, and it is part of their three for two sale, meaning that you can get it for free if you want to treat yourself to some sex toys to see yourself through quarantine. Or, you know, just get three boxes for £10.

Penis shaped pasta. [[imagecaption|| Credit: annsummers.com]]

News of the unusual solution to the pasta shortage was revealed on the Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK, and it proved to be an instant hit with people looking to stock up (but hopefully with no more than they actually need!).

One person joked in the comments section: "Desperate times call for desperate measures."

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A second wrote: "Pasta is pasta lolololol."

A third added: "Do they do gluten-free?"

Meanwhile, a fourth suggested: "The kids would be told it rocket pasta lol."

This is a reflection of the fact that many are turning to humor to get themselves through what is a difficult time for almost everyone. Here are some of the best self-isolation tweets that Twitter has to offer.

The news comes as the World Health Organisation's most recent situation report revealed that there have been a total of 167, 515 confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, and 6,606 deaths.

Shoppers stock up on penis-shaped pasta amid food shortage