Egg Shortage: Trader Joe’s Limits Purchases as Prices Skyrocket
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 Announces New Policy
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.
Causes of 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.
The Impact on Restaurants and Food Sellers
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.
Renting Chickens: A New Solution
But restaurants aren’t the only ones getting creative to address the issue. A new idea has gained popularity in some parts of the country that eliminates needing to go to a store at all: renting the chicken.
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.
Why is the Virus So Hard to Control?
Bird flu is primarily spread by wild birds such as ducks and geese as they migrate. While it is fatal to a variety of animals, those species can generally carry it without getting sick, which offers the virus a chance to mutate and thrive.
The virus can be spread through droppings or any interaction between farm-raised poultry and wild birds. It’s also easily tracked into a farm on someone’s boots or by vehicle.
Conclusion
The ongoing avian flu outbreak has led to a severe shortage of eggs, causing prices to skyrocket and forcing stores to set limits on purchases. The virus is difficult to control due to its ability to mutate and thrive in wild bird populations.
FAQs
Q: What is causing the egg shortage?
A: The ongoing avian flu outbreak has forced farmers to euthanize millions of egg-laying hens, leading to lower supply and higher prices.
Q: Why are egg prices so high?
A: The average price for a dozen eggs is now more than $5 due to the shortage caused by the avian flu outbreak.
Q: What is being done to address the shortage?
A: Trader Joe’s has set limits on egg purchases, and some restaurants and food sellers are coming up with new policies to help offset their losses.
Q: Is there a solution to the shortage?
A: Yes, a new idea has gained popularity in some parts of the country: renting the chicken.
