NEEDHAM, Mass. — Egg shortages are leading to limitations for consumers.
Trader Joe’s is limiting egg purchases to one dozen per customer per day in all their locations across the country.
The grocer said they hope these limits will help ensure that as many customers who need eggs are able to buy them.
One customer buying eggs Tuesday morning in Needham said she is fine with this move from Trader Joe’s.
“I think that that’s great because their prices are the best anywhere compared to the supermarkets and I think that everyone should have a chance to get a dozen eggs,” said Linda Lourie.
Costco also limits customers on egg purchases.
It’s all due to a nationwide egg shortage brought on by bird flu.
The CDC reports the virus has affected more than 157 million poultry.
Bird flu has also been detected in 68 humans in the United States and one person has died.
Restaurants are also feeling the effects like Fresco in Needham.
“It’s hard to get the extra large now, you get what you get, it’s difficult to get eggs right now,” said co-owner and chef of Fresco Jose Garcia.
He said egg prices have been increasing each week – and they’ve unfortunately had to raise prices for customers.
“We might have to increase it again if the price of eggs keeps going up,” added Garcia.
He also faces limits from sellers as they are getting fewer eggs with each delivery.
“There’s nothing we can do. We’re just trying to survive and we try to give the best, with the best we can get for them,” he said.
So what happens if they run out?
Garcia said 80% of their business is eggs and being a breakfast place, “If we have no eggs we’ll probably have to shut down.”
Prices could continue to rise. The US Department of Agriculture predicts egg prices to increase by 20% in 2025.
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