Lidl has taken measures to ration one of its most popular food products in stores as shortages continue.
A shortage of eggs has forced the supermarket giant to put a 'three boxes per shopper' rule in place in stores and on its click and collect service. According to a number of customer pictures posted online online, the company has posted notes in stores to warn customers of the temporary measures put in place.
It is not clear how many stores are introducing the rationing at this stage, reports Manchester Evening News. However, the measures come amid concerning shortages that earlier forced the popular pub chain Wetherspoons to make changes to their breakfast menu.
Shoppers have taken to social media to share their concerns after discovering the notices in Lidl stores, with snaps showing bare shelves where eggs should be. And it is not just Lidl who are experiencing the problem.
READ MORE: All the Christmas food shortages Scotland could face and what caused them
Tesco customers are also finding it difficult to get eggs in some stores, with Sainsbury's also placing notices in some of their shops. Aldi too have noticed an egg shortage in their stores as well as their click and collect service.
One Tesco customer posted an image on Twitter showing signs that read: "Due to the hot summer, we are currently experiencing low availability across our egg range.
"Sorry for any inconvenience." Another photo posted from inside a Sainsbury’s showed a sign that read: "We are currently experiencing supply issues across our fresh egg range.
"We are working hard to resolve these and apologise for any inconvenience caused." Similarly, an Aldi shopper tweeted: "Have you stopped selling fresh eggs online because of bird flu? I could not add any to my click and collect order. I will have to buy them from somewhere else now separately." Another said: "I shan't be shopping at your Great Barr store any more. A lot of the shelves were bear [sic]. No eggs again."
Lidl customer asked: "Why have you no eggs in your stores?" Another Lidl shop has started rationing eggs, according to a picture posted by Grocery Insight CEO Steve Dresser.
"Eggs are limited to three units per customer to ensure that everyone has the essentials they need." Andrew Opie, Director of Food and Sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, which represents the UK supermarkets, said stores are "working hard" to " minimise impact on customers", the sign read.
He said: "While avian flu has disrupted the supply of some egg ranges, retailers are experts at managing supply chains."
The supply shortage comes following the increase in egg prices - raising by 22 per cent, according to official figures.
Why is there concern over egg shortages?
Farmers are being hit with a double blow, with rising costs and an outbreak of bird flu impacting their egg production.
The British Free Range Egg Producers Association (BFREPA) told the BBC that the price of chicken feed has spiked due to the war in Ukraine, with sky high energy costs also creating difficultly.
"Feeding hens is now at least 50% more expensive than it was, and energy prices have soared in the same way that consumers have seen their domestic bills rise," the BFREPA said in a statement. "Spending on fuel has grown by 30%, while labour and packaging also costs more."
Farmers are also suffering following the biggest outbreak of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) ever, resulting in millions of birds being culled or killed.
There has also been a knock-on effect of birds dying during the heatwave this summer. However, the Department Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has denied there are any supply chain issues.
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