The Daily Mail reported on July 2 that Australians will struggle to get their favourite breakfast at McDonald's due to the tight supply of eggs across the country due to an outbreak of avian flu.
A spokesperson for McDonald's Australia said on Monday that breakfast will be stopped from 10:30 a.m. instead of noon as usual. The spokesperson explained that the decision was due to the shortage of eggs caused by avian influenza, which is a challenge faced by both the hospitality industry and supermarkets.
(Image source: Daily Mail)
Two farms in NSW and eight farms in Victoria have been forced to close and destroy large numbers of chickens in an effort to curb the spread of avian influenza, leading to problems with egg supply.
McDonald's breakfast menu features a variety of McMuffins set meals with fried eggs and hot cakes with eggs, while hash browns will continue to be available throughout the day.
"We recognise that customers love McDonald's breakfast and to ensure that fresh Australian eggs continue to be served, we will temporarily reschedule breakfast to 10:30 across the country," the spokesperson said. ”
"Customers can enjoy all their favorite breakfasts, such as bacon and eggs, sausage and burgers, but they just need to order a little earlier than usual."
"We will continue to work closely with Australian farmers, producers and suppliers to address this challenge."
McDonald's is the latest company to take action in response to the egg shortage, following Woolworths' announced a limit on the number of eggs customers can buy.
(Image source: Daily Mail)
Due to supply delays, Woolworths has limited the number of eggs purchased per customer to two cartons, which apply to stores in NSW, ACT and Victoria, with no other states affected.
A spokesperson for Woolworths said: "Like other supermarkets, we expect short-term delays in egg supply due to the temporary closure of a packing plant in NSW, the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria. "Supply is expected to recover next week as companies in question are ramping up operations at other locations." Woolworths' decision follows in the footsteps of its rival Coles, who had earlier also imposed a two-box limit on eggs.
Coles' purchase restrictions apply nationwide, with the exception of Western Australia.
Woolworths said the measure was "precautionary" and expected to be lifted soon. "At the moment, most customers only buy one carton of eggs at a time, and there is no reason to change this habit," the spokesperson said. ”
(Image source: Daily Mail)
"We encourage shoppers to consider the needs of others and continue to buy as much as they normally need."
As a result of the outbreak, Victoria is expected to destroy more than a million chickens, and NSW is also destroying more than 320,000 chickens.
"Avian influenza is caused by influenza A viruses, similar to the virus that causes seasonal influenza in humans," the NSW Health website said. "It spreads mainly from bird to bird, but it can sometimes be transmitted to humans, although this is extremely rare."
Avian influenza can cause mild to severe illness in birds and other animals.
Most humans are infected with avian influenza mildly and asymptomatic. If symptoms do, common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, muscle aches and a sore throat.