Australia has been battling an outbreak of bird flu – the avian influenza virus – for the past few months, the effects of which can be seen on the food industry across the country. In a recent update on Facebook, McDonald’s Australia announced that they will be reducing their breakfast hours as they are “carefully managing the supply of eggs due to current industry challenges.” Breakfast hours have been cut by 90 minutes, and breakfast will be “served until 10:30am across Australia (usually available until noon).”
The announcement further stated, “We are working hard with our Australian farmers and suppliers to bring this situation back to normal as quickly as possible.” The good news for hash brown lovers is that their beloved potato snack is “still available all day.”
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A look at the McDonald’s Australia breakfast menu
According to the official website of McDonald’s Australia, the following items are available on the breakfast menu:
- Chicken and Bacon McMuffin
- Chicken McMuffin
- Mighty McMuffin
- Bacon and Egg McMuffin
- Sausage and Egg McMuffin
- Sausage McMuffin
- Big Brekkie Burger
- Hotcakes with Butter and Syrup
- hash brown
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More information about bird flu in Australia
According to CNBC, according to Murray Watt, Australia’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, “about 1 million egg-laying hens have been culled in Australia due to bird flu to limit the spread of the disease.”
Supermarkets have also reportedly imposed limits on the number of eggs that can be purchased per customer. The Australian government said in its latest update that consumers “may see some empty shelves in the short term,” as supplies are being redirected to areas of greatest shortage. Meanwhile, there has been no impact on chicken meat supplies at this time.
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Is it safe to consume eggs during an avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak?
According to a media statement issued by Food Standards Australia New Zealand, avian influenza (bird flu) is not a food safety concern, and it is safe to eat properly handled and cooked chicken meat, eggs and egg products. “There is no evidence to suggest that the virus can be spread to people through properly prepared food,” the organisation said.
