Eggs are vanishing from supermarket shelves at an alarming rate as a nationwide shortage, fueled by a devastating bird flu outbreak, sends prices soaring. Major retailers like Trader Joe’s and Costco are struggling to keep up with demand, as consumers rush to stockpile eggs, fearing they will soon be unavailable. The situation has led to panic buying reminiscent of the early COVID-19 pandemic when shoppers hoarded essentials like toilet paper and hand sanitizer. However, unlike those non-perishable goods, eggs have a limited shelf life, making bulk purchases a challenge.
Bird flu crisis drives prices to record highs
The bird flu outbreak has taken a severe toll on commercial egg farms across the country, forcing the culling of millions of laying hens in an effort to contain the spread. According to the American Egg Board, nearly 50 million hens have been lost in the past year alone. As a result, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that the price of a dozen large grade A eggs has reached its highest level in 45 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that prices will rise another 20% this year, further straining household budgets.
The crisis has become so severe that it has even led to criminal activity. In Seattle, thieves stole eggs from a restaurant, while in Pennsylvania, a distribution trailer was looted for its supply of eggs. As egg prices continue to climb, retailers are struggling to keep shelves stocked, and frustrated customers are left searching multiple stores just to find a single carton.
Viral videos show empty shelves and hoarding
Social media has been flooded with images of barren grocery store shelves as shoppers scramble to find eggs. One video posted on TikTok by user @the.ibarras went viral after showing a shopper at a California Costco filling her cart with over 200 dozen eggs. These scenes mirror past shortages of everyday essentials, with many consumers buying in excess out of fear they won’t be able to get eggs later.
While stocking up may seem like a smart move, eggs have a limited lifespan. Unlike non-perishable pantry staples, eggs require proper storage and handling to remain safe to eat. Understanding expiration labels and storage tips can help consumers make informed decisions during this ongoing shortage.
How to read egg carton labels
Many consumers mistakenly believe the date printed on egg cartons represents an expiration date, but this is not always the case. Most cartons display a “sell-by” date, which differs from a true expiration date. Federal law does not require this labeling, leading to confusion about how long eggs remain safe for consumption.
Each carton generally includes two important pieces of information: a three-digit Julian calendar code that indicates the day the eggs were packed and a “best by” date that suggests the period for optimal taste and quality. Despite these labels, eggs often remain fresh for longer than consumers expect.
Are expired eggs still safe to eat?
According to Ron Kean, a poultry specialist at the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension, eggs can remain good for two to three weeks beyond their listed use-by date. Most commercially produced eggs are processed and packed within a day or two of being laid, ensuring a relatively fresh product when it reaches store shelves.
As eggs age, they lose moisture, which can cause the whites to thin and the yolks to break more easily. However, this does not necessarily mean the eggs have gone bad. A common method for checking an egg’s freshness is the “float” test.
How to test if Your eggs are still fresh
The float test involves placing an egg in a bowl of water. A fresh egg will sink to the bottom and lay flat, while an older egg may stand upright or float due to the air cell inside expanding over time. While a floating egg is likely older, that does not necessarily mean it has spoiled.
Kean advises that the best way to determine if an egg is bad is to crack it open and check for an unusual odor. If the egg smells bad, it should be discarded immediately. Additionally, consumers should inspect egg cartons before purchasing to ensure none of the shells are cracked, as even small fractures can lead to bacterial contamination.
Managing the egg shortage
As the egg shortage continues, shoppers should be mindful of best practices for storage and handling. Refrigerating eggs at the proper temperature, using them before their best-by date, and conducting freshness tests can help maximize their usability. While the bird flu outbreak has caused widespread disruptions, understanding how to store and use eggs properly can help consumers navigate these uncertain times with less waste and frustration.
