KFC (credit Mike Mozart)

Flickr: Mike Mozart

Fast food chain KFC is the latest business in Japan to be blighted by the Asian nation's potato shortage.

Industrial strikes by dock-workers on the west coast of the United States have made it difficult for Japan to secure a steady supply of chips due to disrupted or cancelled shipments.

McDonald’s has also had to start rationing its servings over the last six weeks.

KFC Japan said in a statement: “The company will halt the sales of potatoes temporarily until a stable supply becomes available.'

The chain is currently advertising meals with coleslaw instead of chips on its website.