The shortage of egg supply in the United States has led to soaring prices, prompting Trader Joe’s to announce a daily limit of one dozen eggs per customer at all its stores to ensure more customers can buy them.
The company stated, “We hope this restriction will ensure that more customers who need eggs can successfully purchase them.”
According to data from the U.S. Department of Labor, egg prices have risen by nearly 40% since January 2024.
Since 2022, the United States has been experiencing a continuous outbreak of avian influenza, resulting in the culling of over 145 million poultry, mostly egg-laying hens. Once the virus appears, the entire poultry flock must be culled to prevent its spread. Given that large egg farms typically raise over a million hens, even a small infection can trigger a supply crisis in the market.
Additionally, the “Cage-free laws” in certain states have exacerbated supply pressures. States like California and Massachusetts require hens to be cage-free, leading to a tighter supply of eggs. For instance, at Target stores in Chicago, a dozen regular eggs are priced at $4.49, while cage-free eggs are as high as $6.19.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts a further 20% increase in egg prices this year.
Avian influenza is mainly spread by wild birds such as ducks and geese, which can carry the virus without showing symptoms, causing its continuous spread. The virus can enter farms through feces, shoe soles, or vehicles, resulting in infections.
Unlike previous outbreaks, the avian flu epidemic that began in 2022 did not diminish with warmer temperatures and even infected cows for the first time in March 2023, increasing the virus’s survival chances. Unlike hens, cows are not culled after infection, which could prolong the impact of the epidemic.
Currently, over sixty people in the United States have been infected with avian flu, with one fatality, but there is no evidence yet that the virus can spread from person to person.
Trader Joe’s is not the only retailer implementing egg purchase limits.
Lidl is restricting sales to two dozen eggs per person in some regions, but organic eggs are unaffected. Some supermarkets in Massachusetts have also started limiting egg purchases to two cartons per person.
Emily Metz, Chair of the American Egg Association, warned that the avian flu epidemic still poses a threat to the supply chain: “The market continues to face immense pressure that will be difficult to alleviate in the short term.”
Experts suggest that the egg shortage is mainly a localized issue and is not expected to last long. Metz emphasized, “American egg producers can quickly adjust supply, and even if shelves are temporarily empty, they typically replenish within 24 hours.”
The skyrocketing cost of eggs is impacting the foodservice industry.
Waffle House is adding a $0.50 surcharge per egg, while a New York breakfast food truck has raised the price of their egg sandwiches.
Metz stated that farmers are working hard to restore production and ensure a stable supply.