Egg prices have skyrocketed due to a combination of factors, including the avian influenza outbreak and new cage-free regulations. The average price of a dozen eggs has jumped significantly, and experts predict further increases in the coming months.
Grocery shoppers may encounter a higher-than-usual total on their receipts as egg prices continue to climb. The Consumer Price Index reveals a staggering 36.8% increase in egg prices compared to the same period last year. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average price for a dozen Grade A large eggs reached $4.15 in December, a nearly $2 jump from the $2.51 per dozen recorded in December 2023. Several factors contribute to this significant price surge.
One major culprit is the recent outbreak of bird flu. The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has directly or indirectly resulted in the death of over 20 million egg-laying hens in the last quarter of 2024, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Strict regulations mandate the culling of entire flocks in infected areas, causing devastating losses for the egg industry. Another potential driver is the implementation of new cage-free egg laws. States like Michigan, for instance, saw the enforcement of these regulations at the beginning of the year. While Michigan lawmakers amended the Animal Industry Act in 2019, the law came into effect in 2025, requiring sold shell eggs to originate from cage-free housing systems. Furthermore, the law prohibits the sale of eggs from hens lacking adequate floor space or those subjected to confinement. Projections indicate that the average price of a dozen large eggs could reach nearly $5 by the end of 2025, a record high. California has already witnessed prices reaching nearly $9 per dozen in certain regions. To mitigate the financial impact, experts recommend purchasing eggs in bulk and comparing prices from various retailers.
EGG PRICES BIRD FLU CAGE-FREE EGGS CONSUMER PRICES FOOD INFLATION
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