WINTER PARK, Fla. – Florida grocery shoppers are feeling the impact of an ongoing egg shortage as major retailers impose purchase limits in response to supply chain disruptions caused by bird flu.
Stores like Trader Joe’s, Publix, Kroger Delivery, and Costco have begun restricting customers to just one dozen eggs per day, leaving many scrambling to find alternatives.
During visits to a Publix in Winter Park and a Trader Joe’s in Winter Park, News 6 found empty shelves and signs warning customers of the new purchase limits.
“I just bought eggs and it’s crazy. The prices are ridiculous, you can’t afford it going up,” says one shopper.
The shortage is driven by a persistent outbreak of H5N1 bird flu, which has decimated poultry farms across the country. Texas A&M livestock economist David Anderson says the industry is struggling to recover.
“We continue to have outbreaks, and that cuts into our supplies. Our ability to make up for those lost chickens just isn’t there,” Anderson said.
Despite the limited supply, demand for eggs remains high, causing prices to soar. According to Anderson, egg prices have nearly doubled in the past three months, forcing some families to rethink their grocery lists.
“Eggs are a staple, and people still want them. That’s what’s driving these skyrocketing prices,” he said.
Some shoppers are turning to alternative sources, like local farms, to avoid the rising costs.
“I mean, I’ve seen that it’s so expensive at the grocery stores. We’re really lucky, my girls go to school, and we have a family that has a farm,” said shopper Jenna Mamele. “We buy our eggs directly from them. We know where they’re coming from, they’re healthy, organic, natural; and actually a lot cheaper than what I would get in the store.”
Retailers say the limits are meant to ensure that as many customers as possible can access eggs, but it’s unclear when the shortage will ease.
For now, shoppers may have to shell out more for eggs or find creative ways to keep breakfast sunny-side up.
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