Central shoppers could be forgiven for wondering where the eggs have gone when heading out on the weekly supermarket shopping venture. 

Some supermarkets have introduced a temporary limit on the purchase of eggs, limiting numbers to two cartoons per customer, and shelves are empty in other outlets.

Limits have been placed on customers

Shortages have been attributed to legislative changes coming into effect banning the cage rearing of hens for egg production, as well as feed shortages due to the Russian invasion of far-off Ukraine in February 2022. 

The new legislation has led to some suppliers bowing out of the industry entirely or delaying the conversion of their operations due to the expense involved.

“Producers have been obligated to change their farming methods,” Egg Producers Federation executive director Michael Brooks said.

The new legislation, combined with Covid-19 and higher grain prices after the invasion of Ukraine, “saw farmers become ultra-cautious regarding business decisions, and the flock has shrunk to 3,400,000 hens down from 4,200,000 only 18 months ago”. 

“That’s a lot of eggs that aren’t available,” Michael said.

Egg supply limited by new legislation

Foodstuff spokesperson Emma Wooster said the move to phase out cage eggs was a significant change for the egg supply industry. 

“As we phase out caged eggs from our stores, we’ll be working with the egg industry to increase our offer in colony, barn and free-range eggs.

“We’re committed to working closely with government and New Zealand egg suppliers to meet our target to become fully cage-free by 2027.”

There seems little sign of relief for consumers anytime soon as, apart from the current shortage, egg prices will likely rise as farmers face huge costs implementing changes to produce cage-free eggs.