Major grocery chains have begun limiting egg purchases as supply shortages persist, with prices continuing to climb. Retailers such as Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Sprouts Farmers Market are capping the number of cartons customers can buy, citing ongoing disruptions in the poultry industry.
The shortages stem from widespread bird culling following avian flu detections. Since 2022, public health officials have ordered the destruction of over 148 million birds, drastically reducing egg production. Critics argue that the policy of mass euthanasia has caused more damage to the supply chain than the virus itself.
Trader Joe’s has set a one-dozen-per-customer limit, while Whole Foods is allowing only three cartons per transaction. Sprouts Farmers Market has placed a four-dozen cap, warning shoppers that availability will remain limited in the coming weeks. Costco has cautioned members that egg supplies may be removed from delivery orders without notice.
In Missouri and Illinois, at least 60 stores have begun rationing eggs, with reports of empty shelves becoming more common. Some shoppers have taken to social media to share videos of store aisles being cleared out within minutes of restocking. Panic buying has further exacerbated supply issues, with customers rushing to secure eggs before they disappear.
Egg prices have skyrocketed, reaching an average of $3.82 per dozen. In some areas, the price per carton has soared to $9 or more, putting a strain on household budgets. Restaurants like Waffle House have introduced surcharges, adding 50 cents per egg to their menu prices in response to rising costs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has projected further price increases, estimating an additional 20% rise this year. Despite the strain on consumers, federal agencies have yet to alter their approach, continuing to rely on mass culling as the primary strategy to combat bird flu outbreaks.
