Grocery stores across the country are now rationing eggs as a severe shortage drives prices higher. The shortage stems from a bird flu outbreak that has led to the loss of more than 13 million hens since December, according to the Department of Agriculture.
To manage supply, major grocery chains have implemented purchasing limits. Publix and Trader Joe’s are restricting customers to one dozen eggs per day. Walmart allows customers to buy up to two 60-count cartons per purchase, while Kroger and Aldi have set a limit of two dozen per trip. Whole Foods and Costco are capping purchases at three dozen per person in select stores, and Sam’s Club has imposed a two-carton limit.
Egg prices are projected to rise by 20.3% this year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A year ago, the average cost for a dozen eggs was around $3. As of last month, that price had climbed to approximately $5, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Egg production dropped 4% in November amid bird flu fears, Fox Business reported, noting that the price of eggs has also increased.
Citing data from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the report said that 8.92 billion eggs were produced in November, down 4% from last year. Of the eggs produced 7.68 billion were for consumption and 1.24 billion were hatching.
The number of egg-laying hens also declined, down 3% from last year.
In some California areas, the price of a dozen eggs is nearly $9, jumping 70% from November to December. Save Mart, whose eggs are about $7 a dozen, told ABC 30 Action News, “We are working diligently with our suppliers to provide and replenish quantities of safe, quality products to serve the needs of our shoppers.”
