A nationwide egg shortage is taking a toll on major US grocery stores and restaurants. Several major retailers, including Costco, Kroger, and Whole Foods, are limiting egg purchases due to the persistent supply shortage caused by outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu.
To mitigate demand, Amazon-owned Whole Foods has started posting signs on its shelves limiting customers to three cartons of eggs per transaction. Kroger is also imposing limits, asking customers to buy only two dozen eggs per trip at stores with egg sales restrictions.
Trader Joe’s, a popular grocery store chain, has introduced a cap of one dozen eggs per customer, per day. Costco has set a limit of three packages of eggs per customer as well.
The shortage has significant implications for the food industry. Restaurants are facing increasing costs and are passing them on to consumers through surcharges. The cost of whole eggs has doubled at some restaurants, while liquid eggs have seen a 25% price hike.
Experts warn that egg shortages will continue until the bird flu outbreaks impact the US laying hen flock subside. The American Farm Bureau Foundation estimates over 136 million birds affected by avian influenza since 2022, leading to widespread higher prices and bare grocery shelves in some areas.
Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/egg-purchase-restrictions-take-effect-more-major-us-grocery-stores