'Grave concerns' over food shortages in Ebola-hit nations: UN

Locals walk among food stalls at a a market in Kenema, Sierra Leone, on August 16, 2014. By Carl de Souza (AFP/File)

Dakar (AFP) - Labour shortages and disrupted cross-border trade caused by the deadly Ebola outbreak have sparked "grave food security concerns" in the worst-hit countries, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

Restrictions on movement in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone has led to panic buying, food shortages and severe price hikes, especially in towns and cities, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization said.