Retailers have set restrictions on egg purchases as the avian flu outbreak continues to grow, causing a major egg shortage.
Effective immediately, Woolworths is allowing a maximum of six eggs per customer unless stores have remaining stock of 18- or 36-egg packs.
“Due to the avian flu-induced egg shortage, we’re prioritising available whole eggs that adhere to our safety and quality standards,” the company explained in an official statement.
“So we are temporarily limiting whole egg purchases.”
Pick n Pay will also be setting purchase limits based on regional needs. “We ask customers to shop responsibly,” they said.
On Tuesday, the Sixty60 online shopping app by Checkers displayed all egg brands as “out of stock”.
Although Shoprite has not set any purchase limits, they are managing supplies to handle shortages.
The ongoing avian flu crisis, described as the worst since 2017, is expected to drive up both chicken and egg prices.
There are reports about importing millions of fertilised eggs to make up for local shortages, but details could not be confirmed.
The Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are suffering from the H5 variant of the disease, while the deadlier H7 strain is common in regions like Limpopo, the North West, the Free State, and Mpumalanga.
The H7 strain is concerning as it remains undetected in chickens for longer, spreading the virus more widely.
Protocols call for the culling of chickens and destruction of eggs within 3 km of an avian flu breakout site.
The South African Poultry Association reported the culling of over five million commercial layer birds and about 2.5 million broilers since the year’s start.
The department of health says it is considering a new vaccine program to halt the spread of birdflu.
Compiled by staff writer
Pictured above: Egg shortage
