Eggs are difficult to get for some consumers, and empty shelves have been discovered in several stores dating back to the end of last year.
The lack of eggs that Trader Joe joked at the time was spurred by the chickens on strike. Now, retailers are working to restock their shelves by limiting the number of cartons that customers can purchase.
“Due to the ongoing issues with egg supply, we are currently limiting egg purchases to one dozen customers per day at all Trader Joe stores across the country,” said a trader spokesman. Nakia Rode told Nexter Koin last week. “We hope these restrictions will help many of our customers who need eggs to buy them when they visit Trader Joe.”
More retailers are following.
Where to find fresh and available eggs in Southern California
Costco customers are currently limited to three egg packages, a warehouse retailer confirmed. A spokesman for Sam’s Club confirmed the limits for two packages per customer, noting that the company is working to continue to meet egg demand.
A spokesman confirms that Walmart customers have a 2 carton limit for only 60 count cartons, a spokesman confirms with Nexstar. Some bean sprout shops report that customers are looking at the limit of four dozen eggs per visit.
Other companies had regionally restricted restrictions.
Sign warning customers of egg restrictions at Wisconsin Roger Store on January 16, 2025 (Addy Bink/Nexstar)
Some Kroger stores have imposed a limit on two packages of eggs per customer per trip for weeks. But that’s not a company-wide move, a spokesperson told CNN. The company did not immediately respond to Nexstar’s request for comment, but the signs below were seen at its Wisconsin store in mid-January.
Egg restrictions are only imposed on target Hawaii stores in early February.
Signs were found at the Whole Foods location in New York, limiting eggs to three cartons per person. The company did not immediately respond to Nexstar’s request for comment on egg restrictions.
It’s not just retailers who feel the pinch of limited egg supply. Last week, Waffle House announced that it would add an additional fee to all eggs ordered.
The supermarket has temporarily closed the poultry market on February 7, 2025 by New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and temporarily closed the poultry market on February 7, 2025. The supermarket has 3 egg purchases per person. Limit to cartons. Vural Elibol via Getty Images /Anadolu)
Egg prices have skyrocketed, with the average US price reaching $4.15 in December. This is nearly 37% higher than December 2023. This is shown by the latest consumer price index for the labor sector.
A shortage of available eggs, and hence the rise in carton costs, is being fueled by the ongoing outbreak of avian flu. Farmers are forced to massacre millions of chickens a month, according to the Associated Press. The situation could get worse as the virus doesn’t seem to have been mitigated either, and there are no effective vaccines or medications to protect the herd.
Experts warn that egg prices will continue to rise this year. Patrick Penfield, a professor and supply chain expert at Syracuse University’s Faculty of Business Administration and a supply chain expert, told Nexstar in January that he thought prices could rise by 20% in 2025.
The bird flu may be raising the price of eggs, but it should not be safe to eat. Well-prepared and properly cooked eggs can be safely consumed, the USDA notes. That’s true whether you have an outbreak of avian flu or not.
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