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The egg shortage in the United States has begun to affect restaurant chains, forcing several of them to raise prices or seek more affordable alternatives.
While Waffle House has chosen to implement a 50-cent surcharge for eggs in its dishes, other companies like Biscuit Belly, a chain with 14 locations across six states, have changed their egg types and started using liquid eggs in some recipes to reduce costs, reported Bloomberg.
The price of a dozen wholesale eggs in the Midwest reached $7.08, seven times higher than two years ago, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which also forecasts an additional increase of 45% in 2024.
In supermarkets, restrictions have also become common. In New York, some Whole Foods locations have been selling dozens of cage-free eggs for $11.99, limiting purchases to three cartons per customer.
In Chicago, stores like Aldi and Kroger have limited purchases to two cartons per person due to shortages.
The impact on the market has also led some liquid egg processing companies to redirect their production and prefer selling eggs in cartons, which has reduced the availability of liquid eggs for restaurants.
The demand has also been driven by the increasing consumption of eggs as a source of protein, especially among those using weight loss medications like Ozempic.
Waffle House imposes surcharge for eggs due to rising costs
The Waffle House restaurant chain announced on Tuesday a 50-cent increase in the price of dishes that include eggs, a measure that responds to the shortage of the product caused by avian flu.
With almost 2,000 establishments in the United States, including several in Florida, and corporate offices in Georgia, the company explained in a statement that these new prices are already in effect, reported EFE.
However, they expect these fluctuations to be temporary, although they admitted that they cannot predict how much longer the crisis will last.
The increase in the cost of eggs is a result of the avian flu outbreak, which has necessitated the culling of millions of laying hens since December, impacting production and driving the price of the product to unprecedented levels.
Since last year, the average price of eggs in the U.S. has increased by 50%, and analysts warn that the shortage shows no signs of improvement in the short term.
Currently, the average price of a dozen eggs exceeds $7, more than triple its value a year ago, when it cost just over $2.
Since 2022, more than 100 million laying hens have been culled due to the outbreak of avian influenza in the country, which has directly affected the supply of the product.
The disease has also had repercussions on public health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), avian flu has resulted in 67 infections and one death in the United States, as reported by EFE.
The egg supply crisis has led to a political debate. Last week, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt held the previous Democratic administration of Joe Biden (2021-2025) responsible for the shortage and rising prices, stating that it had ordered the mass culling of 100 million chickens to control the spread of the virus.
As the situation persists, the rise in production costs continues to impact restaurants and consumers, with no clear solution in sight.
According to the agency AP, the restaurant chain Waffle House has implemented a surcharge of 50 cents per egg on its dishes due to the worst outbreak of avian flu in a decade, which has caused a serious shortage and an increase in the cost of the product.
The impact of avian influenza has forced farmers to cull millions of chickens each month, leading the average price of a dozen eggs in December to $4.15.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, prices are expected to rise another 20% in 2024, which has raised concerns in the food sector and among consumers.
Waffle House, known for offering affordable breakfasts, stated that the surcharge is now in effect and applies to all its menus.
Currently, the breakfast of two eggs with toast and a side item costs $7.75. The company stated that it continues to monitor market prices and that it may adjust or eliminate the surcharge depending on how the supply crisis evolves.
The egg supply crisis has also led to unusual incidents, such as the theft of 100,000 eggs in Pennsylvania, valued at $40,000, a case that is currently being investigated by the police, emphasized El Nuevo Herald.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Rise in Egg Prices in the United States
Why have egg prices in the United States risen so much?
The prices of eggs have risen due to a severe outbreak of avian flu, which has forced the culling of millions of laying hens, drastically reducing supply. Additionally, the increased demand for eggs as a source of protein has contributed to this price surge.
How is the egg shortage affecting restaurants in the U.S.?
The shortage of eggs has led restaurants like Waffle House to implement surcharges on their dishes containing eggs and others, like Biscuit Belly, to seek more economical alternatives such as using liquid eggs. This is due to the rise in raw material costs caused by the supply chain crisis.
How much have egg prices increased in supermarkets in the U.S.?
The price of a dozen eggs in the Midwest of the U.S. reached $7.08, a significant increase compared to previous years. In stores like Whole Foods in New York, prices have soared to $11.99 per dozen. These increases reflect a rise of up to seven times in the last two years.
What are the prospects for the egg shortage in the United States?
Authorities expect the situation to improve within six to nine months, although prices will continue to rise this year. An additional 20% increase in egg prices is anticipated for 2024, raising concerns among the food sector and consumers.
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