Australia has been battling outbreaks of bird flu - the Avian influenza virus - in the past few months, the impact of which can be seen in the food industry nationwide. In a recent update on Facebook, McDonald's Australia announced that they will be reducing their breakfast hours since they are "carefully managing supply of eggs due to the current industry challenges." The breakfast hours have been trimmed by 90 minutes, and breakfast will be served "until 10:30 am across Australia (usually available until midday)."
The announcement added, "We are working hard with our Aussie farmers and suppliers to return this back to normal as soon as possible." The good news for Hash Browns lovers is that their beloved potato snack remains "still available all day."
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A Look At McDonald's Australia Breakfast Menu
The following items are available in the breakfast menu at McDonald's Australia, according to their official website:
- Chicken & Bacon McMuffin
- Chicken McMuffin
- Mighty McMuffin
- Bacon & Egg McMuffin
- Sausage & Egg McMuffin
- Sausage McMuffin
- Big Brekkie Burger
- Hotcakes with Butter and Syrup
- Hash Brown
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More On Bird Flu In Australia
According to CNBC, the bird flu in Australia has resulted in about "1 million egg-laying affected hens that have been euthanized to limit the spread of the disease," according to Murray Watt, the country's minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry.
Supermarkets have also reportedly put a cap on the number of eggs that can be purchased per customer. Consumers can "see some empty shelves in the short-term," with supplies being redirected to areas experiencing the greatest shortages, the Australian government said in its latest update. Meanwhile, there has been no impact on the chicken meat supply at this time.
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Is It Safe To Consume Eggs During An Avian Influenza (bird Flu) Outbreak?
According to a media statement released by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand, Avian influenza (bird flu) is not a food safety concern, and it is safe to eat properly handled and cooked chicken meat, eggs, and egg products. "There is no evidence to show the virus can be transmitted to people through properly prepared food," the organisation added.