Woolworths suddenly enforces purchase limit on popular product as a 'precaution'

Woolworths has announced it will be placing a limit on how many eggs customers can buy at the checkout.

The supermarket giant has brought in a two-pack per person limit on the popular staple.

Woolworths said the decision was made due to a 'delay' in stock. 

The limits will be applied in in stores across NSW, ACT and Victoria.

Other states will not be affected.  

The limits were enforced after avian flu was detected at an egg farm. 

'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 spokesman said.

'Their supply is expected to recover over the next week as they ramp up operations at their other sites.'

The announcement comes after Coles announced it would be limiting customers to purchasing two cartons at a time due to supply chain issues caused by an outbreak of bird flu.

The limitations have been placed at all stores with the exception of Western Australia.

Woolworths said the closure of the packing shed has created a short-term delay to distribution for the supplier.

The supermarket said the purchase limit was introduced to help manage stock issues 'as a precaution'.

'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.'

Avian flu has been confirmed at two farms in NSW and eight in Victoria.

Over one million birds are expected to be destroyed in Victoria due to the outbreak  and NSW’s toll stands at more than 320,000.

The NSW Health website states: 'Avian influenza (also known as bird flu) is caused by influenza A viruses, similar to the virus that causes seasonal influenza in humans.'

'It spreads mainly among wild water birds but can occasionally spread to humans, although this is rare.'

Avian flu can cause mild to severe illness in birds and other animals. 

More to come