Shrinking Spuds Scandalize Snackers

German french fry-eaters are getting short shrift. The average size of a single french fry has shrunk by as much as three centimeters (1.18 inches), according to the tabloid Bild Zeitung.

The hot summer weather is to blame, the paper reported on Friday, citing a spokesperson from the agricultural department of the North Rhine-Westphalia state government.

It seems the dry conditions are impacting the growth rate of potatoes, resulting in smaller, thinner spuds.

The consequences? Fries that emerge from the fat a great deal shorter than usual, to the detriment of the already put-upon German consumer.

The paper didn't think to question, though, what amount of complaining would have arisen from the general populace had the summer weather been cool and rainy instead of hot and dry.

But it did hint at a related scandal-in-the-making. After last year's record potato harvest, farmers are expecting a 10 to 20 percent smaller bounty this year.

Could this mean the pommes-munching public is facing a potential french fry shortage? The paper didn't say. But fans of fries would be well-advised to stock up now -- even if they're getting short-changed in the process.