McDonald’s and other businesses in Australia are making service adjustments and reducing egg usage due to bird flu outbreaks, causing significant shortages and culling of chickens. Supermarkets are also implementing limits on egg purchases to manage the shortfall as scientists work to stabilise the supply chain.
Bird Flu Leads to Reduced Egg Availability and Service Adjustments in Australia
In response to significant egg shortages caused by bird flu outbreaks, McDonald’s Australia has reduced its breakfast service hours, now ending at 10:30 a.m. instead of noon. The avian influenza strain H7 has affected nearly a dozen poultry farms in Victoria, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory, leading to extensive culling efforts.
To mitigate the impact, McDonald’s is working closely with suppliers to stabilize its egg supply. Other businesses, like San Jose Place bakery in Sydney, are also affected. The bakery has reduced the number of eggs in its bacon and egg rolls from two to one and has humorously suggested that customers bring their own eggs.
The outbreaks have led to the culling of approximately 1.5 million chickens, predominantly in Victoria, but also impacting farms in the ACT and NSW. Supermarkets such as Woolworths and Coles have implemented purchasing limits on egg cartons to manage the shortfall. Scientists have noted that the H7 strain is related to viruses found in Australia’s wild bird population, distinct from the H5 strain seen globally.
This development has led various food-related businesses to adapt their operations temporarily while waiting for the supply chain to recover.