Woolworths has announced a limit on egg carton sales in much of the country after the industry continues to be hit by a deadly strain of bird flu.
The supermarket giant has moved to calm customers after introducing the two-pack per person limit on eggs, which is set to come into effect on Thursday.
Woolworths was quick to clarify the impact was simply a “delay” in stock, and that most customers usually only bought one carton at a time.
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The purchase limit will be implemented in stores across NSW and Victoria, with the ACT joining the list after a suspected outbreak of avian flu was identified at an egg farm adjoining a packing shed.
As a result, Woolworths said the shed was temporarily closed, creating a short-term delay to distribution for the supplier.
“Along with other retailers, we’re expecting a short-term delay in stock from one of our egg suppliers in NSW, ACT and Victoria, due to the temporary closure of one of their packing sheds,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.
“Their supply is expected to recover over the next week as they ramp up operations at their other sites.”
The supermarket said the purchase limit was introduced “as a precaution” to help manage stock issues.
“Right now, the majority of customers are only buying one carton of eggs at a time, and there’s no reason that should change,” the spokesperson said.
“We encourage shoppers to be mindful of others and continue to only buy what they normally would.”
The announcement comes after supermarket competitor Coles introduced a similar purchase restriction on eggs in every state and territory, bar Western Australia.
Avian influenza is a viral disease of birds and is found across the globe.
The avian influenza virus can survive for long periods in droppings, respiratory secretions, water, feathers, eggs, and meat.
The World Health Organisation has confirmed Australia’s first human infection probably came from India in early March.
– With AAP