New York Attorney General Letitia James warns businesses against price gouging on eggs and poultry as the avian influenza outbreak impacts supply and drives prices up. The Attorney General emphasizes the legal prohibitions against exploitative pricing practices and reminds consumers of their rights.
New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a stern warning to businesses against price gouging on eggs and poultry amidst the ongoing avian influenza outbreak. The virus, which has been affecting poultry farms across the United States since 2022, has resulted in the culling of millions of birds to contain its spread, leading to a significant decline in egg production and availability.
The US Department of Agriculture forecasts a 20% surge in egg prices by 2025, fueling anxieties among consumers and regulators alike. At New York City grocery stores, a dozen organic, free-range eggs can often cost upwards of $10. Responding to these escalating prices, James emphasized the crucial role of eggs in the daily diets of New Yorkers and stressed the legal prohibitions against exploitative pricing practices. She acknowledged the challenges posed by the bird flu on poultry farms but insisted that it should not be an excuse for businesses to dramatically increase prices. As of December 2024, the national average price for a dozen eggs reached $4.15, nearing the previous record of $4.82. In New York, price gouging is defined as the sale of essential goods or services at unconscionably excessive prices during abnormal market disruptions, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies. Violators can face penalties of up to $25,000 per incident. This law applies to all levels of the supply chain, including manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers. In 2021, James' office secured a settlement with Hillandale Farms Corporation, one of the nation's largest egg producers and wholesalers, for illegally inflating egg prices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current bird flu outbreak, identified as the H5N1 strain, has proven particularly virulent, resulting in the loss of nearly 13 million birds in recent months. This strain's impact has not only strained the egg supply but also raised concerns about potential human transmission, especially following the first reported human death in Louisiana. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are actively working to monitor and contain the virus. Their efforts include implementing biosafety standards, conducting surveillance programs, and increasing testing to mitigate its spread. Since the start of 2024, egg prices have surged by $1.28 per dozen, a 22.03% increase, according to Trading Economics, which cites data from the USDA. In response, certain retailers have implemented purchase limits to manage the limited supply and prevent hoarding. Consumers can file complaints online through the Attorney General’s website or by calling the office’s hotline at 800-771-7755
Avian Influenza Price Gouging Eggs Poultry New York Attorney General Letitia James Food Supply Consumer Protection Bird Flu
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