Major retailers such as Costco and Trader Joe’s have implemented purchase limits to manage supply and ensure broader customer access in response to a nationwide egg shortage driven by a severe avian flu outbreak.

Trader Joe’s has instituted a policy restricting customers to one dozen eggs per person per day across all its U.S. locations.

A company spokesperson stated, “We hope these limits will help to ensure that as many of our customers who need eggs can purchase them when they visit Trader Joe’s.”

Similarly, Costco has set a limit of three cartons of eggs per customer in certain stores. This measure aims to prevent hoarding and ensure that more shoppers can access eggs during the shortage.

The current egg shortage stems from a significant avian influenza outbreak, which has led to the culling of millions of egg-laying hens to contain the virus.

Consequently, the reduced supply has driven egg prices to record highs. In December 2024, the average price for a dozen Grade A large eggs rose to $4.15, up from $2.51 in December 2023.

These purchase limits are part of retailers’ efforts to manage the constrained supply and ensure that more customers can access eggs during this challenging period.