Australian Supermarket Giant Enforces Limit on Egg Purchases
Coles has put limits on egg purchases for consumers all over Australia due to a bird flu outbreak in Victoria.
This new policy applies to all states and territories except Western Australia, where customers can buy a maximum of two egg cartons each.
Since the outbreak began, approximately 580,000 birds have been euthanised, causing a significant decrease in meat and egg availability.
Signs have been placed in Coles supermarkets to alert customers about this change.
“Due to an egg supply shortage, we have temporarily limited purchases to two items per customer/transaction,” the signs state. “This measure is to ensure availability and help as many customers as possible.”
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“Thank you for your patience. We apologize for any inconvenience caused,” said a spokesperson from Coles.
A Coles representative stated that the supermarket chain is collaborating with suppliers to ensure egg availability for consumers.
“We are supporting the industry in addressing the avian flu cases in Victoria,” the spokesperson informed The Epoch Times.
Although the purchase restriction is temporary, the spokesperson did not specify its duration.
On the other hand, Woolworths, Coles’ competitor, and other supermarkets and retail stores have not enforced any egg purchase limits.
Government’s Response
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler mentioned that the avian flu strain spreading in Victoria (H7N3) differs from strains in other countries.
“This is a significant issue globally: the avian flu that it is sweeping the globe. I’m making sure that our government particularly is across any implications that might have for human health, at the moment.”
The minister added that he receives regular updates from the chief medical officer regarding the bird flu and that the government takes the matter seriously.
“I know [Agriculture Minister] Murray Watt is watching that very closely, and I know Australian viewers will want to know that they’re going to have access to enough eggs to keep having the hearty Australian breakfast,” he mentioned.
Fifth Victorian Farm Hit by Bird Flu
Coles has imposed restrictions on egg purchases following the detection of the H7N3 avian flu strain at the fifth farm in Victoria on June 7, just two days after the fourth farm was affected.
Victoria’s agriculture department announced that all poultry on the property will be culled according to national policies, and the site will undergo cleaning to eliminate the infection.
Chief Veterinary Officer Graeme Cooke mentioned that the new development of the disease was expected.
“It’s a difficult time for our farmers, and we’re making sure mental health support is available, and eligible producers can access compensation.”
To prevent the spread of bird flu, Agriculture Victoria has enforced movement controls in Terang, Meredith, and Lethbridge, where the affected farms are situated.
Farmers in these areas must obtain permits to transport birds, poultry products, feed, and equipment on or off their properties within the restricted zones.
Despite the ongoing bird flu situation, Mr. Cooke assured that eggs and poultry products in the market are safe for consumption and do not pose health risks.
Meanwhile, the United States has banned eggs and poultry imports from Victoria due to safety concerns.
