Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and over the past 30-plus months, we have experienced a number of product shortages.

First, it was the quest to find packages of toilet tissue. A muti-packet of double ply 500 sheets were a find. However, at times, many of us had to settle for the solo roll of single ply with only 260 sheets. If things got really challenging, facial tissue or paper napkins were put into action.

Then, the micro chip shortage was thrust upon us.

That affects the final assembly of vehicles, various appliances, medical devices, computers, and cellular telephones, just to name a few.

Recently, while listening to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.’s radio news and reading The New York Times, I learned of the next looming shortage:

Mustard.

Yellow, brown, coarse, whatever, there is an issue. We are not talking millions of mustard containers, but billions.

According to national research conducted by New York City-based The Daily Meal, mustard ranks number two behind mayonnaise as America’s condiment of choice.

I have learned Canada produces the world’s highest production of mustard seeds. The seeds are grown in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Following our friends to the north of us, Ukraine and Russia are also noted as global mustard seed producers.

According to CBC reporting, mustard seed production is significantly down. Most recently, they cited, 60,700 hectares of seed were harvested, compared to 202,000-plus in years past. The news account cited that an ongoing drought and heatwave has precipitated this low production.

The price for mustard seeds has zoomed upward. One Canadian mustard producer cited a bag of seeds which were once acquired for $40 (Canadian) is now up to $240 per bag.

As for Ukraine and Russia, they, too, face climate challenges. However, Russia invaded Ukraine, a major world agri-producer, including of mustard seeds. The war has brought agricultural export shipments to a halt through Ukraine’s port cities and on the rails.

If you are truly a mustard aficionado and like to “spread” the news, plan to celebrate with the Wisconsin-based National Mustard Museum (mustardmuseum.com) on Aug. 6. That is noted as National Mustard Day.

So, will there be a forthcoming challenge to find mustard in Northeast Michigan? I hope not.

Afterall, Alpena eateries such as The Bulldog Cafe and North Coney Island need that mandatory food condiment.

Jeffrey D. Brasie is retired health care CEO and frequently writes op-eds and feature stories. He is a former Alpena resident and resides in suburban Detroit and is a U.S. Navy and U.S. Navy Reserve veteran.