Fast-Food Breakfast Sandwich Loyalists: A Warning

Avian Flu-Induced Egg Shortages Affect McDonald’s Breakfast Service

Fast-food breakfast sandwich enthusiasts, beware! McDonald’s has cut its breakfast service by an hour and a half in Australian locations due to egg shortages caused by the avian flu. This change is a result of the industry’s struggles to manage egg supply, which has been severely impacted by the highly contagious H7N3 strain of avian flu.

The Avian Flu Outbreak in Australia

The avian flu has been spreading rapidly in Australia, affecting 11 poultry facilities, mostly egg farms. To contain the spread of the disease, poultry farms have quarantined their animals and carried out mass euthanasia of over half a million chickens. As a result, around 450,000 eggs are destroyed daily to prevent the virus from spreading further.

Impact on the Egg Industry

The avian flu has not only affected McDonald’s breakfast service but also the egg industry as a whole. Australian supermarket chain Coles Group Ltd. has limited customer purchases to two cartons of eggs per day to ensure there is enough supply. Industry experts assure consumers that there are still over 20 million hens under the care of hundreds of egg farmers across Australia, working hard to ensure eggs are available on shelves.

The Situation in the US

While the avian flu has also affected the US, the situation is not as dire. From February 2022 to June 2024, bird flu killed 96 million backyard and commercial birds nationwide. Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., the nation’s biggest egg producer, killed 1.6 million laying hens, almost 4% of its flock, and temporarily halted operations in April after detecting bird flu.

Egg Prices and the Economy

The avian flu has led to a significant increase in egg prices, with prices rising over 15% to $2.99 for a dozen large Grade A eggs from January to April, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The shortage has also affected the economy, with mass euthanasia ensuring the safety of flocks but also making supply precious, as replacing lost birds is time-consuming.

Changes in the Industry

As the industry scrambles to convey a sense of stability, some changes are starting to creep into the industry. Chick-fil-a has begun moving away from its "no antibiotics ever" promise, embracing an industry standard of only using antibiotics if a chicken needs to be treated for illness. Other poultry giants, such as Pilgrim’s Pride and Tyson Foods, are also following suit, as farmers try to maintain the health of their close-quartered chickens amid rampant disease.

McDonald’s Reassures Customers

Despite the changes, McDonald’s has assured customers that some things on its menu will never change. In a Facebook post, McDonald’s stated, "PS, Hash Browns are still available all day."

Conclusion

The avian flu has had a significant impact on the egg industry, affecting McDonald’s breakfast service and the economy. While the situation is not as dire in the US, the industry is still feeling the effects of the outbreak. As the industry continues to navigate the challenges posed by the avian flu, it’s essential to prioritize the health and safety of both humans and animals.

FAQs

Q: What is the avian flu?
A: The avian flu is a highly contagious strain of bird flu that can be fatal to livestock, including chickens and ducks.

Q: How has the avian flu affected the egg industry?
A: The avian flu has led to a significant shortage of eggs, with many poultry farms being forced to euthanize their animals to prevent the spread of the disease.

Q: What is the impact on McDonald’s breakfast service?
A: McDonald’s has cut its breakfast service by an hour and a half in Australian locations due to the egg shortage.

Q: What is the situation like in the US?
A: While the avian flu has also affected the US, the situation is not as dire. The US has seen a significant increase in egg prices, but the industry is working to maintain a stable supply.

Q: What changes are being made in the industry?
A: Some changes are being made in the industry, including the use of antibiotics only when necessary and the adoption of new practices to maintain the health of close-quartered chickens.

Author: fortune.com

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