Australia is currently experiencing an egg supply shortage due to outbreaks of Avian influenza virus, which has led to the euthanization of approximately 1 million affected hens. This supply crunch has impacted major retailers like McDonald’s, leading to a reduction in breakfast hours by 90 minutes. Supermarkets have also imposed limits on the number of egg cartons that can be purchased by consumers. The government has been responding to outbreaks of the H7 high pathogenicity avian influenza at 11 poultry farms.
Despite these challenges, consumers are reassured that there are still over 20 million hens under the care of hundreds of egg farmers across Australia, who continue to work hard to ensure eggs remain on shelves. Food Standards Australia New Zealand has emphasized that there is currently no evidence that people can contract the virus through properly prepared food, such as chicken meat, eggs, and egg products. They have stated that Avian influenza is not a food safety concern.
The Australian government acknowledges that consumers may experience empty shelves in the short-term, but efforts are being made to redirect supplies to areas with the greatest shortages. They also note that there has been no impact on chicken meat supply at this time. Industry groups like Australian Eggs are working to address the impact of the Avian influenza outbreaks on the poultry industries in the country.
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