Supermarket giant Woolworths has told customers attempting to return excess purchases of toilet paper, pasta, canned foods and other items in high demand amid the coronavirus outbreak that they will not be eligible for refunds.

The grocery giant issued a notice across stores saying that from Wednesday onwards it would not allow "rainchecks" on any products, or refunds for certain goods that have been in high demand amid the coronavirus outbreak. "Dear customers, due to unprecedented demand, we have decided to make changes to our ... policies," the notice read.

The list of goods affected by the policy includes toilet paper, paper towels, tissues and serviettes, painkillers, cleaning and baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, cleaning sprays, disposable gloves, pasta and pasta sauce, canned food, flour and bread mixes, cooking oils, and rice.

A Woolworths spokesperson told the Herald and The Age that the company believed this step to be "a necessary measure to meet the needs of as many shoppers as possible," and that they "thank customers for their understanding."