As the bird flu outbreak continues to impact the poultry industry, consumers are feeling the pinch at the grocery store. The average price for a dozen eggs in the United States reached $4.15 in December, nearly double what it was just six months prior. With federal officials predicting a further 20% increase in egg prices by 2025, shoppers are left grappling with higher costs and health concerns.
Currently, there are approximately 380 million egg-laying chickens and over 9 billion broiler chickens in the U.S. However, the ongoing avian flu crisis has led to significant losses. Since the outbreak began in 2022, around 145 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been culled to curb the spread of the virus. This drastic measure has severely impacted supply and contributed to soaring prices.
The record price for a dozen eggs stands at $4.82. Experts warn that as the supply chain struggles to recover, consumers may continue to face elevated prices. It can take weeks for the carcasses of slaughtered birds to be properly disposed of and for new flocks to be raised, further delaying market stabilization.
Despite the heightened prices and potential health risks, experts emphasize that the likelihood of humans contracting the bird flu remains low. Timothy Brewer, MD, stated, “There is no evidence to suggest that properly handled, stored, and cooked eggs can lead to avian influenza infections in people.” Nonetheless, he advises consumers to exercise caution when purchasing eggs.
“In general, I recommend avoiding buying cracked eggs or eggs past their expiration date,” – Timothy Brewer, MD.
To ensure safety, eggs should be thoroughly cooked and ideally consumed within three weeks of purchase. Leftover egg dishes should not sit out for more than two hours, while any refrigerated egg products should be reheated to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For casseroles and similar dishes containing eggs, a cooking temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended.
Since March 2024, there have been 67 confirmed cases of avian flu in humans in the U.S., with only one reported death linked to the virus. While these numbers may seem alarming, health officials continue to affirm that the risk to the general public remains minimal.
Leave a Reply