Egg Shortage Forces McDonald's to Trim Breakfast Hours Amid Bird Flu Crisis

McDonald’s has announced a reduction in its breakfast service hours by 90 minutes, citing a significant egg shortage caused by recent bird flu outbreaks. According to a statement shared on Facebook, the fast-food giant revealed that starting Tuesday, breakfast will end at 10:30 a.m., rather than continuing until the usual midday cutoff.

The company emphasized that it is managing its egg supply carefully due to the ongoing challenges faced by the industry. McDonald’s reassured customers that they are collaborating closely with Australian farmers and suppliers to restore normal service hours as quickly as possible.

Australia is currently grappling with outbreaks of several highly pathogenic avian influenza strains. Since May, these strains have affected 11 poultry sites, most of which are egg-producing farms, predominantly located in the country’s southeastern regions.

Officials confirmed that none of the detected strains in Australia are the infamous H5N1 variant, which has wreaked havoc globally by spreading among bird and mammal populations, resulting in the infection of billions of animals and a small number of human cases.

Despite the concerning situation, less than 10% of Australia’s egg-laying hens have been impacted by the outbreaks. Authorities have assured the public that containment measures are proving effective, although many retailers have imposed purchasing limits on eggs to manage supply shortages.

Some stores have reported noticeable disruptions, with egg shelves often emptied by the end of the day. Rowan McMonnies, Managing Director of Australian Eggs, commented last week that while there is some strain, the broader egg supply remains robust.

McMonnies sought to reassure consumers, stating that more than 20 million hens continue to be cared for by hundreds of egg farmers across Australia. He expressed confidence that these farmers are working diligently to maintain steady egg availability in stores.

Bird flu typically spreads to domesticated poultry through contact with wild birds. Australia’s government noted that the 2024 outbreaks mark the country's tenth occurrence of avian influenza since 1976, all of which were successfully controlled and eradicated.