"Better Buy a Hen"... US Implements Egg Purchase Quotas Amid Soaring Prices

Egg prices spike due to avian flu, leading to strict purchase limits in grocery stores / AFP

In response to a massive surge in egg prices in the United States, grocery stores have started implementing strict purchase quotas, limiting the number of eggs consumers can buy. This price increase has been largely driven by the widespread impact of avian influenza, which has caused significant disruptions in poultry farming.

As of February 12, 2025, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 3.0% overall increase in consumer prices for January, with egg prices skyrocketing by an astounding 15.2% compared to the previous year. This marks the highest annual price rise since June 2015, underscoring the severity of the situation. Egg prices have climbed so much that in some areas, a carton of 18 eggs now costs $13.49, according to reports from California grocery stores. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) disclosed that the impact of avian influenza (AI) has been devastating, with over 21 million poultry animals being culled in the first month of 2025 alone. The disease’s spread has resulted in the destruction of more than 13 million birds just in December 2024. These mass culls are contributing heavily to the ongoing egg shortages.

The rise in prices has been sharp: just a year ago, a dozen eggs sold for $2.52, but by December 2024, the price had skyrocketed to $4.15. In some supermarkets across the country, the price for a dozen eggs has reached $10. This drastic inflation has led many major grocery chains to impose purchase limits on eggs in an effort to control the supply and prevent hoarding. Trader Joe’s, for example, now restricts customers to purchasing no more than one carton of 12 eggs per day. Whole Foods has implemented a limit of three cartons per customer, while Kroger allows only two cartons per shopping trip. However, even these limits have not been enough to prevent shortages at some locations.

Other large retailers, such as Market Basket in Massachusetts, have started limiting families to two or three cartons per purchase. In Santa Barbara, California, Safeway has imposed a similar restriction, with customers allowed to buy only two cartons of eggs per shopping trip since last month. Despite these measures, many stores are still facing ongoing stock shortages.

In addition to the price hikes and purchase limits, egg thefts have become an alarming issue in certain areas. In early February 2025, $40,000 worth of organic eggs, totaling around 100,000 eggs, were stolen in Green Castle, Pennsylvania. In Seattle, Washington, a restaurant experienced a break-in where thieves made off with 500 eggs from their storage facility. These thefts reflect the extreme demand for eggs amidst the shortages and high prices.

The egg price crisis is a complex issue, with multiple factors at play. The widespread avian influenza, which continues to affect poultry farms, has resulted in the destruction of millions of birds, significantly reducing egg production. Alongside this, supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures are exacerbating the situation, driving prices higher than ever. The US government, along with major retailers, is closely monitoring the situation, but for now, consumers are left grappling with limited access to one of the most basic and essential food items.

As egg prices soar and shortages persist, many are beginning to reconsider their shopping habits, with some even humorously suggesting, "Better buy a hen," as a more economical option. However, until the supply chain stabilizes and the avian flu crisis is contained, consumers are likely to continue feeling the pinch at checkout.