Supermarkets across the UK are witnessing a severe shortage of eggs due to a deadly outbreak of avian influenza combined with post-Brexit import disruptions. The British Poultry Council reported that nearly 2 million hens have been culled since January to contain the virus. Adding to the crisis, farmers have faced rising feed costs and labor shortages due to Brexit, which reduced access to seasonal migrant workers. As a result, egg production has dropped by 12% compared to last year.
Major grocery chains like Tesco and Sainsbury’s have limited egg purchases per customer, while restaurants are reworking menus to reduce dependency on egg-based items. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has launched emergency support for poultry farms and urged the public to avoid panic buying.
Experts say that while bird flu cycles are not new, the combination of disease and trade barriers makes this one of the worst food supply disruptions in recent UK history. Industry leaders are calling for policy reforms, including faster vaccine approval and easier labor visa policies.
