The spread of avian influenza and other factors have caused egg prices to soar, significantly increasing the burden on consumers' grocery bills. Not only have egg prices risen, but the phenomenon of shortages has also become a part of daily life, forcing consumers to visit two or three different markets to find eggs.

According to the Federal Labor Department statistics on the 4th, the average retail price for a dozen Grade A large eggs was
4.15
i
n
D
e
c
e
m
b
e
r
l
a
s
t
y
e
a
r
,
t
h
e
h
i
g
h
e
s
t
s
i
n
c
e
F
e
b
r
u
a
r
y
2023
(
4.15inDecemberlastyear,thehighestsinceFebruary2023(4.21). Compared to November, when a dozen eggs cost $3.65, prices rose by 14% in just one month. Egg prices in the U.S. have surged by a whopping 65% since the beginning of 2024.

Market research firm NielsenIQ reported that the average price for a dozen eggs between January 12-18 was
5.29
,
c
o
n
t
i
n
u
i
n
g
t
h
e
u
p
w
a
r
d
t
r
e
n
d
s
i
n
c
e
e
a
r
l
y
N
o
v
e
m
b
e
r
l
a
s
t
y
e
a
r
.
C
o
m
p
a
r
e
d
t
o
F
e
b
r
u
a
r
y
l
a
s
t
y
e
a
r
,
w
h
e
n
a
d
o
z
e
n
e
g
g
s
c
o
s
t
a
r
o
u
n
d
5.29,continuingtheupwardtrendsinceearlyNovemberlastyear.ComparedtoFebruarylastyear,whenadozeneggscostaround3.6-$3.8, prices have risen by about 50%. The Federal Department of Agriculture also noted in its weekly egg market analysis report that egg prices remained strong last week.

However, these are just statistical prices, and the actual prices consumers pay are at least double.

In Southern California, consumers report that a dozen eggs are selling for at least
10
,
g
o
i
n
g
u
p
t
o
10,goingupto15. Additionally, the significant price differences between markets and retailers are causing consumers to hesitate before making purchases. The nationwide spread of avian influenza is primarily blamed for pushing up egg prices.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), since the avian influenza virus began spreading in the U.S. in January 2022, over 150 million poultry have been affected. The Department of Agriculture culled 13.2 million laying hens in December alone and noted that the spread of avian influenza continues into January this year.

Egg prices tend to spike during winter, as wild migratory birds spread the avian influenza virus across farms nationwide, according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

In some parts of the U.S., egg shortages are becoming common in general grocery stores, depending on the supply situation.

As egg prices continue to rise, some restaurant chains have started charging extra for menu items containing eggs.

Waffle House, a franchise selling waffles, hamburgers, and sandwiches, announced on the 3rd that it would add a 50-cent surcharge to menu items containing eggs. In their announcement, Waffle House stated, "Due to the egg shortage caused by the avian influenza virus, we are imposing an additional charge."

Korean-American food service businesses also lament that if egg prices continue to rise, they will have no choice but to increase food prices. Some restaurants have stopped offering complimentary steamed eggs.

Not only are egg prices high, but finding eggs has also become difficult. Recently, it's been hard to find eggs at Costco. A Costco representative mentioned that even when eggs are available, the quantity is less than before, and they sell out quickly, making it hard to find them in the afternoon.

Trader Joe's still sells eggs at a relatively low price of around $4, but they also sell out as soon as they are displayed. Recently, long lines of customers waiting to buy eggs have been spotted outside Trader Joe's before opening.

In the U.S., eggs are considered a staple 'common man's food' due to their low cost, versatility in various dishes, and nutritional value. However, it seems that the era of freely consuming eggs has come to an end.

A retired Korean-American, Mr. Park, expressed his astonishment, saying, "I've lived in the U.S. for over 30 years, but I've never seen eggs this hard to find and expensive. What was once the most affordable item has now become a 'golden egg.'"

Meanwhile, as the egg supply crisis continues, a bizarre incident occurred in Pennsylvania where an entire truckload of eggs was stolen. On the 31st of last month, about 100,000 eggs worth approximately $40,000 were stolen from a parked transport trailer at an egg supplier in Franklin County. Police believe the thief opened the trailer's rear door and took the eggs.



<Hwandong Cho>