Costco, Kroger, and Whole Foods are among the grocery chains limiting egg purchases due to persistent shortages caused by avian influenza outbreaks. Shoppers are facing difficulties finding eggs, with viral videos illustrating the frenzy surrounding the product. Experts predict the shortage will continue, impacting both consumers and restaurants.
Costco , Kroger and Whole Foods are among the growing number of grocery stores implementing purchasing limits on eggs as supply shortages persist. Companies began imposing these restrictions as the shortage, fueled by outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, continues to grip the market, creating a frenzy among shoppers. Numerous viral videos have emerged in recent weeks showcasing shoppers stockpiling eggs.
One TikTok video claimed that an entire section of eggs at a Costco was sold out in under 10 minutes. Amazon-owned Whole Foods posted signs on its shelves informing customers that they can only purchase three cartons of eggs per transaction. 'We are currently experiencing difficulty sourcing eggs that meet our strict animal welfare standards,' read a sign displayed at one of its stores in New York City.Kroger confirmed to FOX Business that some of its banner divisions are also limiting egg sales. At stores where restrictions are in place, the company is requesting customers to only buy two dozen eggs per shopping trip, a spokesperson told FOX Business. Trader Joe's informed FOX Business on Monday that it is capping egg purchases at one dozen per customer, per day. This limit applies to every Trader Joe's grocery store across the United States, according to the company. Costco also confirmed to CNN that it is restricting customers to three packages of eggs. Experts have warned that egg shortages will likely continue as bird flu outbreaks persist and impact the U.S. laying hen flock. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Foundation, told FOX Business that he estimates over 136 million birds have been affected by avian influenza since 2022. In December, there were over 18 million birds affected, which he said led to 'bare grocery shelves in some places and widespread higher prices.' According to the Department of Agriculture (USDA), prices were 36.8% higher in December 2024 compared to a year earlier, though they remained below peak prices seen in January 2023. For 2025, the USDA predicted that egg prices, which can fluctuate significantly month-to-month, will increase by more than 20%. The effects of high egg prices are not limited to consumers at the grocery store; restaurants are also facing the impact. Waffle House, a popular Southern breakfast food chain, implemented a temporary 50 cent per egg surcharge on all its menus last week. The company attributed the move to the ongoing egg shortage, stating that 'consumers and restaurants are being forced to make difficult decisions.' Smaller eateries, such as New York-based Mexican café and bakery Ursula, are also experiencing the pinch. Ursula owner and head chef Eric See told FOX Business that the prices of whole eggs have doubled, while the cost of liquid eggs has risen by approximately 25%
EGGS SHORTAGE BIRD FLU COSTCO KROGER WHOLE FOODS PRICES RESTAURANTS
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