Supermarket chain Trader Joe's is implementing a purchase limit on eggs.
Due to some ongoing issues with the egg supply, various grocery stores are implementing purchase limits to ensure as many customers as possible can get their hands on these essential items. This includes Trader Joe's, which is now limiting egg purchases to one dozen per customer, per day, across all its stores. This measure is intended to help maintain a steady supply for all customers.
Similarly, Kroger is allowing purchases of only two dozen eggs per customer, per trip, in certain locations based on availability. Other stores like Costco and Walmart are also reportedly implementing limits, though they didn't immediately respond to requests for confirmation.
The escalating egg prices are largely due to the avian influenza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 40 million egg-laying birds. The HPAI outbreak, combined with steady consumer demand and rising production costs, has led to a significant imbalance in supply and demand. This is causing egg prices to soar, with prices projected to rise another 20% this year.
Waffle House recently implemented a 50-cent surcharge on every egg sold at its 2,100 restaurants to help manage these rising costs. The average price of a dozen large grade-A eggs, which Waffle House uses, was $4.15 in December – a significant increase from the previous month's price of $3.65. In some states, shoppers are even reporting prices as high as $10 per carton.
Sources:1. Avian flu: Over 40 million egg-laying birds killed by bird flu in US amid uncertainty over vaccine2. Grocery Stores Limiting Egg Purchases Due to Avian Flu, High Prices3. Avian Flu Epidemic Driving Up Egg Prices: Here's What You Should Know4. Grocery inflation hits record high, driven largely by rising food prices5. Walmart, Lidl, 7-Eleven Take Action to Alleviate Egg Shortage; Some Stores Limit Purchases
In response to the egg shortage, many businesses are adjusting their operations. For instance, Waffle House has implemented a 50-cent surcharge on each egg sale. Additionally, some restaurants may be struggling to find affordable egg options, with prices reaching as high as $10 per carton in certain regions.
