(FreePressBeacon.com) – In the midst of an alarming bird flu outbreak, egg prices are climbing to $4.95 per dozen, shaking budgets across the nation.
Production struggles and dwindling availability underscore a broader crisis in the food supply chain.
The bird flu outbreak has resulted in the heartbreaking loss of nearly 158 million birds, including most egg-laying hens.
Such drastic measures have significantly reduced the egg supply. Egg prices have become a staggering burden for many, reflecting over two-thirds of the food cost increase last month.
Amazingly, the cost for a dozen eggs now stands at an average of $4.95, with prices soaring to $10 or more for organic varieties in some areas.
Meanwhile, this crisis is compounded by spikes in feed, fuel, and labor costs due to rampant inflation, pushing egg farmers to invest more in biosecurity.
The ongoing demand, spurred by consumer habits and the popularity of all-day breakfast menus, exacerbates the pressure on supplies.
Health officials assure that the bird flu poses minimal risk to human health as long as eggs and poultry are properly cooked.
However, while experts emphasize safety, the economic hit for consumers remains a tough pill to swallow.
Additionally, the time needed to sanitize farms and raise new batches of hens prolongs the crisis, demonstrating a gap in the national readiness for such widespread agricultural disruptions.
The impact of this crisis extends beyond the breakfast table. Producers of baked goods and other egg-dependent products are being forced to adjust their prices or cut production.
As Easter approaches, a time when egg demand typically spikes, American families are not seeing relief in sight.
In the end, the industry faces the daunting task of filling in the supply gaps.
With Easter traditions looming, the stakes rise as consumers stockpile, potentially worsening the shortage. Experts predict egg prices could rise by another 20% this year.
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