McDonald’s shortens breakfast time in Australia as bird flu causes egg shortage
Getting a late-morning McMuffin in Australia just got harder. McDonald’s has reduced its breakfast service by 90 minutes due to an ongoing egg shortage caused by bird flu outbreaks, which have led to the culling of approximately 1.5 million chickens.
The fast-food giant announced the change on Facebook, explaining that breakfast service would now end at 10:30 a.m., rather than the usual midday cutoff. Like many retailers, we are carefully managing the supply of eggs due to current industry challenges, McDonald’s stated, assuring customers that they are working with Australian farmers and suppliers to restore normal service as soon as possible.
Australia has been grappling with outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza since May, affecting 11 poultry facilities, most of which are egg farms in the southeast. While fewer than 10% of the country’s egg-laying hens have been impacted, the loss has still disrupted supply chains, leading to shortages across the industry. Authorities confirmed that none of the outbreaks involve the H5N1 strain of bird flu, which has devastated bird and mammal populations globally, infecting billions of animals and a small number of humans.
The egg shortage has underscored the vulnerability of Australia’s poultry industry to diseases like avian influenza. Egg producers have been forced to implement stringent biosecurity measures to contain the outbreaks, including culling affected flocks and restricting movement between farms. These efforts have slowed production, exacerbating supply constraints and driving up prices.
For McDonald’s, which relies heavily on eggs for its breakfast menu, the supply issues have required operational adjustments. The company emphasized its commitment to supporting local farmers during this challenging period and reassured customers that it is working hard to stabilize its egg supply.
The impact of the egg shortage extends beyond fast food, affecting bakeries, cafes, and households. Some retailers have introduced purchase limits on eggs to ensure availability for all customers, while others have turned to alternative suppliers to meet demand.
Despite the challenges, authorities remain optimistic about the containment of the outbreak, citing the relatively small percentage of egg-laying hens affected. Industry experts expect production to recover gradually as farms rebuild their flocks and implement improved biosecurity protocols.
For now, Australians will need to adjust to the shorter breakfast hours at McDonald’s and the broader implications of an industry under pressure. The situation highlights the importance of resilience in food supply chains and the ongoing need for vigilance against animal diseases.
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