The shortage of eggs thanks to a flurry of bird flu has meant that many Wetherspoons breakfasts have gone without the staple item on their plate.
However, there is more than just an egg shortage across the UK right now, as festive foods seem to be lacking in the lead up to Christmas. Things like turkey and dairy products have gone missing from shelves in the build-up to the big day, concerning many households.
Glasgow Live has taken a look at the potential food shortages that could impact Scotland and the rest of the UK in the coming days, weeks and months.
READ MORE: Wetherspoons makes major change to its menu as food shortages continue
Eggs
Glasgow Live reported earlier today that there has been a lack of eggs across the UK, due to an outbreak of bird flu. This short-term cut back is due to 'temporary supply issues', as Avian flu has had a substantial hit on the production of eggs.
It has been reported that the market is facing a delayed knock-back from the deaths of millions of birds throughout the summer's heatwave. Farmers are attempting to restrict the spread of the virus by keeping birds indoors, away from the infected flock.
This will be a short-term shortage, but is affecting restaurants and supermarkets right now.
Turkey
It's not just eggs that are short in supply right now - warnings have been issued over the availability of Christmas turkeys this year. This is due to the possibility of a strike by staff at the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Unison, the UK’s largest union, warned that the dispute involving several hundred inspectors, vets, and office-based staff in England, Wales and Northern Ireland could result in strikes in the run up to and over Christmas leading to less meat on supermarket shelves.
However, this strike has been averted due to a lack of staff voting to strike throughout the festive season. The build up of the industrial action could still have an affect on the production of Christmas foods, like turkey and other meats.
Dairy
Back in July this year, the UK's largest producer of milk and butter issued a warning that the UK is "on the edge" of a dairy shortage, as the cost of butter continues to rise.
Arla Foods, the owner of Lurpak and Cravendale Milk, has warned that a massive shortage of workers has forced dairy farmers to cut back on production.
Managing director of Arla Foods, Ash Amirahmadi, said: "If 3 percent gets to 5 percent, we know that will lead to shortages, in terms of [meaning] we can’t meet the demand that’s there. We’re on the edge of dairy shortages and there is more inflation to come."
However, there has yet to be confirmation of a shortage in dairy at supermarkets, but one certain thing is that prices are rising for both milk and butter. A 1 kg tub of Lurpak has been spotted at a whopping £9 in some stores.
Potatoes
There has been a talk of a "potato crisis" in the UK, as predictions reveal that the item, already up 19.9 per cent in price, could double this winter. It is set to remain high in price throughout next year until 2024, Yahoo!News reports.
Last month, Lesley Torrance of the James Hutton institute observed: “We’re expecting hotter and drier summers. There’ll be many more plant-heat stress days, as many as 60 by 2030 – that’s only eight years away.
" It could dramatically affect the types of crops we can grow and where we grow them. We might still be able to produce some potatoes in the north of Scotland, but we really need to do something now.”
There is yet to be confirmation of a potato shortage in the short-term, but prices are continuing to rise across supermarket for the staple in a roast - and a Christmas dinner.
Pet Food
It's not just us humans who enjoy a tasty dinner on the big day - pets need to eat too. There has been allusions to a "pet care crisis" in Scotland as Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home gave away over 35 tons of pet food to owners in the capital, amid the cost of living crisis, as reported by the Herald.
Pet food has been a popular request in food banks across the country, as people struggle to feed not only themselves, but their pets during this difficult time. With inflation rising by the month, people are concerned that pet food will rise in price further this winter.
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