Waffle House, a restaurant chain based in Georgia, has implemented a surcharge of 50 cents per egg on all menu items due to the escalating prices of eggs resulting from avian influenza.
The company stated, “The ongoing egg shortage caused by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has led to a significant increase in egg prices.
Customers and establishments are compelled to confront difficult decisions.”
Waffle House further noted that it will adjust egg prices in accordance with prevailing market conditions.
Since December, the average price of a dozen eggs has ascended to $4.15, with the United States Department of Agriculture predicting a 20 percent price increase for this year, as reported by WCSC.
The Associated Press recently cautioned consumers that egg prices are anticipated to continue rising well beyond the Easter holiday, when demand is projected to be at its peak.
The report indicated that avian influenza is forcing farmers to cull millions of chickens each month, resulting in U.S. egg prices more than doubling compared to the summer of 2023.
Furthermore, it appears that there will be no immediate relief, given the heightened demand as the Easter season approaches.
“Anytime the virus is found on a poultry farm, the entire flock is slaughtered to help limit the virus’ spread. And with massive egg farms routinely housing more than 1 million chickens, just a few infections can cause a supply crunch,” it added.
