Australia is experiencing an egg shortage due to a bird flu outbreak that has resulted in nearly 2 million chickens being culled across New South Wales, ACT, and Victoria. The outbreak, which affected major egg suppliers to supermarkets like Woolworths and Coles, reduced the nation’s laying flock by around 7 per cent.
The shortage has led to empty shelves in some areas and rising prices due to increased demand during the Christmas and New Year’s period. Some farms are rebuilding their flocks, but it is expected to take months for egg supplies to recover.
On a positive note, many producers say that the eggs available on shelves are fresher than ever as they scramble to fill orders. However, some eggs may be undersized due to the pressure on suppliers.
Egg producers recommend leaving eggs in their packaging in the fridge to extend shelf life and checking the ‘best before’ date on the carton for freshness. If you’re unsure, you can also test the egg’s freshness by submerging it in a bowl of water; if it floats, it may be spoiled.
Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2025-02-11/bird-flu-egg-farms-shortage-supermarkets-vic-nsw/104921896