The US is facing a severe egg shortage due to an ongoing avian influenza outbreak, causing prices to skyrocket. According to federal statistics, the average price of a dozen eggs rose from $2.51 in December 2022 to $4.15 in December 2023. Waffle House has even started adding a 50-cent surcharge for each egg.
The shortage is not only affecting grocery stores but also causing concern among consumers. Many retailers have put limits on the number of cartons per customer, while some have reported instances of thieves stealing large quantities of eggs.
But that’s not all – the shells of eggs are also becoming more chippy and prone to breaking. According to experts, the 2022 bird flu outbreak had a lingering effect on egg production, leading to thinner shells that are more susceptible to damage.
Professor Sheila Purdum from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln explains that older hens will be kept laying eggs past their typical retirement age to make up for lost birds due to the flu. This means that around 15-20% of the US flock will be made up of older hens, which may lead to weaker eggshells.
However, there is hope on the horizon. Scientists and nutritionists are conducting research on how to keep “old” hens healthy and producing good eggshells. While it’s uncertain when the egg shortage will end, experts believe that with continued research, the quality of eggs can be improved in the future.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/eggs-prices-shortage-avian-bird-flu-eggshells-grocery-store-why-2025-2