Egg shortages persist due to outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, leading to widespread price increases and purchasing limits at major grocery chains like Costco, Kroger, and Whole Foods. Consumers are facing panic-buying and limited availability, while restaurants are implementing surcharges to cope with the rising cost of eggs.
Costco , Kroger and Whole Foods are among the increasing number of grocers implementing purchasing limits on eggs as supply shortages persist. The move comes as companies struggle to keep up with demand amid an ongoing shortage fueled by outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu. Viral videos have surfaced in recent weeks showing shoppers panic-buying eggs, with one TikTok video claiming an entire section of eggs at a Costco was cleared in less than 10 minutes.
Amazon-owned Whole Foods has posted signs on its shelves notifying customers that they can only buy three cartons of eggs at a time. 'We are currently experiencing difficulty sourcing eggs that meet our strict animal welfare standards,' reads a sign posted 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, asking customers to only buy two dozen eggs per trip. Trader Joe's announced on Monday that it is limiting egg purchases to one dozen per customer per day, a restriction that applies to all of its grocery stores in the United States. Costco also confirmed to CNN that it is limiting customers to three packages of eggs. Experts warn that egg shortages will continue as bird flu outbreaks continue to impact the U.S. laying hen flock. Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Foundation, told FOX Business that, since 2022, more than 136 million birds have been affected by avian influenza. He stated that December saw over 18 million birds affected, leading 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 than a year earlier, but still below peak prices in January 2023. The USDA predicted that egg prices, which can fluctuate significantly month-to-month, will increase by more than 20% in 2025. Not only are consumers feeling the impact of high egg prices at the grocery store, but they are also facing surcharges at restaurants. Waffle House, a Southern breakfast food chain, added a temporary 50-cent per egg surcharge to all of its menus last week, blaming the ongoing egg shortage for the dramatic price increase. Smaller eateries, like New York-based Mexican café and bakery Ursula, are also being impacted. 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 about 25%
EGGS SHORTAGE BIRD FLU COSTCO KROGER WHOLE FOODS INFLATION GROCERY STORES RESTAURANT SURCHARGES FOOD PRICES
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