What to Know About the Ongoing Egg Shortage
With egg shortages impacting supply to stores across the country, and sending prices skyrocketing, one store is setting limits on just how many cartons customers are allowed to buy.
Trader Joe’s Sets Limits on Egg Purchases
Trader Joe’s announced Friday that egg purchases would be limited to “one dozen per customer, per day.” The new policy would go into effect for all Trader Joe’s grocery stores throughout the country.
“We hope these limits will help to ensure that as many of our customers who need eggs are able to purchase them when they visit Trader Joe’s,” a statement read.
What’s Behind the Shortage?
The ongoing avian flu outbreak has forced farmers to euthanize millions of egg-laying hens in an effort to stop the spread of the disease, leading to lower supply and higher prices.
Rising Prices and Creative Solutions
The average price for a dozen eggs is now more than $5. It has led to some restaurants and food sellers coming up with new policies to help offset some of their losses.
Waffle House, the popular 24-hour diner throughout the South, is now charging a special fee of 50 cents per egg. It comes as the National Restaurant Association says producer costs are up 134% year over year for eggs.
In New York City, some food trucks have had to raise the price of the beloved breakfast staple of commuters – the egg sandwich – in order to make up for the higher cost of eggs.
What is Driving Up Prices?
The bird flu outbreak that started in 2022 is the main reason egg prices are up so much.
Anytime the virus is found on a poultry farm, the entire flock is slaughtered to help limit the virus’ spread. And with massive egg farms routinely housing more than 1 million chickens, just a few infections can cause a supply crunch.
The problem tends to linger because it takes months to dispose of all the carcasses, disinfect barns, and bring in new birds.
FAQs
Q: What is the main reason for the egg shortage?
A: The bird flu outbreak that started in 2022 is the main reason egg prices are up so much.
Q: Why is the virus so hard to control?
A: Bird flu is primarily spread by wild birds such as ducks and geese as they migrate. It is fatal to a variety of animals, but those species can generally carry it without getting sick, which offers the virus a chance to mutate and thrive.
Q: What is being done to address the shortage?
A: Some restaurants and food sellers are coming up with new policies to help offset some of their losses, such as charging special fees or raising prices. Some stores are also setting limits on egg purchases, like Trader Joe’s.
Q: How long will the shortage last?
A: It’s difficult to predict exactly, but the shortage is expected to persist until the bird flu outbreak subsides, which could take several months or even years.
Q: What can consumers do to adapt to the shortage?
A: Consumers can try to buy eggs in bulk, shop at local farms or farmers’ markets, or consider alternative protein sources. They can also support restaurants and food sellers that are finding creative ways to adapt to the shortage.
