Canberra: Australia is grappling with an egg supply crunch due to recent bird flu outbreaks, prompting McDonald's to shorten its breakfast hours by 90 minutes. The country has experienced numerous Avian influenza virus outbreaks in recent months, leading to the euthanization of approximately one million egg-laying hens to contain the disease, as stated by Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry.
As per reports, on Tuesday, McDonald's announced it would temporarily serve breakfast until 10:30 a.m. instead of midday across Australia, citing "industry challenges." The company expressed its efforts to manage the egg supply in collaboration with local farmers and suppliers and aims to return to normal operations as soon as possible.
Reportedly, supermarkets have also imposed restrictions, limiting consumers to two cartons of eggs per purchase. Retail giants Coles and Woolworths have enforced these limits in most states to manage the shortage.
The Australian government has acknowledged that consumers may encounter empty shelves in the short term, with supplies being prioritized for areas with the greatest need. However, the chicken meat supply remains unaffected. Currently, the government is addressing outbreaks of the H7 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) at 11 poultry farms.
Report stated that Rowan McMonnies, managing director of industry group Australian Eggs, reassured consumers that there are still over 20 million hens under the care of hundreds of egg farmers across the country, ensuring a continued egg supply.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand emphasized that avian influenza is not a food safety concern, and properly handled and cooked chicken meat, eggs, and egg products are safe to eat.
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