The spread of avian influenza in Germany has led to a shortage of eggs, with the German Egg Union (DEU) now considering rationing as a possibility. The demand for eggs far exceeds the available supply. While a Easter without Easter eggs is not imminent, some restrictions are expected.
According to the DEU’s website, “an Easter without fresh or cooked and dyed eggs? What an absurd idea. There will be eggs, but likely not in full supply.”
No relief is in sight, as it takes seven to eight months for the egg production to return to its pre-outbreak level. The recent health crisis has also led to a shortage of young hens. The DEU attributes the egg shortage on the German market to EU environmental regulations, specifically the decline in egg production in the Netherlands, where government programs are encouraging farmers to exit the industry.
The demand for eggs has been steadily increasing over the past few years, with the DEU attributing this to the decline in purchasing power. Eggs are a relatively affordable source of protein and their reputation as a healthy food has been rehabilitated. For years, it was claimed that consuming eggs would increase the risk of heart disease due to high cholesterol levels, but this claim has been revised.