These Two Major Grocery Chains Put Limitations on Eggs Per Customer Amid Nationwide Shortages

In a scramble to manage a nationwide egg shortage, major grocery retailers are imposing purchase limits on customers. Chains like Trader Joe's and Costco have restricted egg sales to ensure fair distribution amid dwindling supplies.

The primary culprit behind this shortage is the H5N1 avian flu outbreak, which has led to the culling of millions of hens across the United States. This significant reduction in the egg-laying population has severely disrupted supply chains, leaving store shelves bare and consumers clucking in dismay.

To manage the scarcity, Trader Joe's has implemented a nationwide policy limiting customers to one dozen eggs per purchase. Similarly, Costco has capped egg purchases at three dozen in certain locations. These measures aim to prevent hoarding and ensure that more shoppers can access eggs during this shortage.

As supply dwindles, egg prices have soared to unprecedented levels. In some areas, the cost of a dozen eggs has reached as high as $8, leaving consumers shell-shocked. This surge in prices has also led to unusual market dynamics, with organic and free-range eggs sometimes costing less than regular varieties.

The egg shortage extends beyond grocery stores. Restaurants like Waffle House have added surcharges to egg dishes, and bakeries are grappling with increased costs for essential ingredients. The ripple effects of this shortage highlight the fragility of supply chains and the widespread impact of agricultural diseases.