The egg industry's thrown its support behind a search for salmonella

New Zealand Food Safety is investigating 80 per cent of New Zealand's chicken egg producers for the risky bacteria.

So far, three North Island operators have been stopped from selling to consumers.

Egg Producers Federation Executive Director Michael Brook says salmonella was found in their sheds - not the eggs.

He says there's no reason to have concerns about an egg shortage.

Brook says the industry supports Food Safety's steps - to give consumers confidence in the safety of the eggs they eat.