In response to a shortage of eggs caused by the avian flu, major retailers like Costco and Trader Joe’s are implementing strict limits on the number of eggs customers can purchase.
Trader Joe’s, with approximately 600 stores across the United States, is currently enforcing a policy of restricting egg purchases to one dozen per customer per day. A spokesperson for the grocery chain stated, “Due to ongoing supply issues with eggs, we have decided to impose these limits to ensure that all our customers in need of eggs are able to obtain them when they visit Trader Joe’s.”
Not wanting to be left behind, other grocery stores are following suit. While Kroger has not imposed a nationwide limit, some of its locations are choosing to enforce a restriction of two dozen eggs per customer per trip based on availability, as confirmed by a Kroger spokesperson.
Social media platforms like TikTok and X are flooded with videos showing individuals stockpiling large quantities of eggs and showcasing signs at stores announcing these purchasing limits.
Costco has also confirmed that they are restricting customers to purchasing only three packages of eggs, typically available in two-dozen or four-dozen cartons.
The surge in egg prices is a direct result of the avian influenza outbreak, which led to the deaths of over 40 million egg-laying birds last year. Due to the limited supply, egg prices escalated by 14% between November and December alone, with projections indicating a further 20% increase this year, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
As a response to the escalating costs, Waffle House recently introduced a 50-cent surcharge for every egg sold at its 2,100 restaurants. The chain stated that it is closely monitoring egg prices and will adjust or remove the surcharge in accordance with market conditions.
In December, the average price for a dozen large grade-A eggs, the type used by Waffle House, was $4.15, up from $3.65 in November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, consumers in certain states have reported prices as high as $10 per carton on social media.
CNN’s Nathaniel Meyersohn contributed to this comprehensive report. For more CNN news and newsletters, sign up for an account at CNN.com.
