Amid shortages Trader Joes and other retailers restrict their purchases of eggs. As avian flu continues to affect flocks that lay eggs some supermarkets are limiting the number of fresh eggs they sell. In times of supply shortage these limitations are intended to guarantee that more consumers can obtain eggs. The U. S. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicts that the ongoing effects of bird flu on poultry farms could result in a 20 percent increase in egg prices in 2025.
Which stores are reducing the amount of egg purchases?
Customers can no longer buy as many eggs from a number of large retailers. These consist of:
- Trader Joe: For all U. S. customers Trader Joes is restricting purchases to a dozen eggs per day.
- Costco: Limiting each customer to three cartons of eggs.
- Kroger: A limit of two dozen eggs per customer per trip is being imposed by certain divisions. Some stores have put restrictions on sprouts.
- Whole Foods: Restricting consumers to three egg cartons at once.
- Aldi: Certain stores have put restrictions in place.
- Safeway: Certain stores have imposed restrictions.
- Walmart: Purchases of 60-count cartons in bulk are subject to limits with a maximum of two per purchase.
It’s crucial to remember that these restrictions might not apply uniformly to every store in a specific chain and might differ depending on the location.
Why do these restrictions exist?
The ongoing outbreak of bird flu also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is the main cause of these purchase limits. In an attempt to stop the virus spread millions of poultry birds have been culled. Because there are fewer egg-laying hens there is a shortage of supply which has raised prices.
Since 2015 the avian flu has been intermittently affecting the industry and the virus has changed and evolved according to Emily Metz president and CEO of the American Egg Board. Farmers are spending millions to strengthen biosecurity in an effort to slow the spread of HPAI.
Influence on the cost of eggs
Prices have increased as a result of the egg shortage. Retail egg prices increased 8 points 4.4 percent in December 2024. A dozen eggs now typically cost over $4.20 which is nearly $2 more than it was a year ago. A dozen eggs can cost up to $12 in some places. According to USDA projections the price of eggs is expected to rise by an additional 20% in 2025.
What customers can do
Consumers are advised by experts to avoid panic buying since it may worsen the egg shortage and result in additional restrictions. Eggs should be used or frozen within their shelf life and consumers should only buy what they need.
Egg shortages and retailers reaction
Retailers are performing a number of measures to address the egg shortages.
- Putting purchase limits into practice: As previously mentioned a lot of stores place restrictions on how many eggs consumers may purchase.
- Promoting eggs: Grocers are cutting back on their promotional offers.
- Maintaining high prices: In an effort to lower demand retailers are keeping prices high.
Gazing ahead, the crisis in egg supply should subside once substitute suppliers make up for the decline in the number of chickens.
As poultry populations start to rebound the USDA predicts that prices could increase by an additional 20%. Customers should keep themselves updated on local purchase restrictions and egg availability though as the situation is still changing.
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