Egg shortage rocks Aussie supermarkets

Aussie supermarkets are being rocked by an egg shortage due to high demand and the flow-on from a deadly avian disease, leading to limits being imposed in some stores.

An outbreak of avian influenza six months ago affected poultry farms across NSW, Victoria and the ACT - making it the largest outbreak in Australian history.

Thousands of farmed birds were put down as a result.

Supermarkets in most states introduced a two-carton egg limit on purchases when the outbreak occurred, but customers have begun noticing shortages again this month.

Shoppers have commented on social media they visited several stores across Sydney to find supermarket shelves empty.

“I drove to different Woolworths stores then different Coles stores in Carlingford, West Ryde, Ermington, North Parramatta and no eggs, just a bunch of empty cartons,” one person commented on social media.

Another said: “I checked the local Asian grocery store nearby who always have eggs and they were out too.”

“I’ve been struggling to get eggs from Woolies and Coles for two weeks. Walked into Korean grocer and got 18 free range eggs,” another person said.

Authorities confirmed a combination of high-seasonal demand, bird flu and industry guidelines had contributed to a national egg shortage.

Egg Farmers of Australia chief executive Melinda Hashimoto told Nine demand for eggs used during the festive season and school holidays meant there was an increased demand for eggs.

Australian Eggs managing director Rowan McMonnies earlier this month said national egg production still remained strong despite the challenges brought on from avian influenza losses.

“Egg farmers (are) producing 18 million every day at the lowest point,” he said.

“The disruption means a few stores will run low but others will be stacked to the ceiling as there are still eggs about.”