Pennsylvania: Authorities informed that around one lakh eggs were taken by thieves from a distribution trailer in Pennsylvania. Police reported that the theft occurred at approximately 8:40 pm at Pete and Gerry’s Organics LLC in Greencastle, the eggs have a value of roughly $40,000.
According to the report by CNBC, the police authorities stated that they lacked further information and an investigation was in progress. In a statement, the egg supplier indicated that it is aware of the situation in Franklin County and is actively collaborating with law enforcement agencies to investigate.
Major concerns over a possible shortage of farm produce on the US local markets, after a citizen shared a video of customers being limited to the purchase of 2 eggs each, due to limited availability at some shopping centers.
— SIKAOFFICIAL (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) January 31, 2025
The shortage is purportedly closely linked to the… pic.twitter.com/uIdZ8dRkFR
Egg Scarcity Throughout United States
Restaurants throughout the United States are facing the impact of a national egg shortage, causing prices to rise to $7 per carton, reported Bloomberg.
Egg prices have consistently shattered records as avian influenza spreads nationwide, resulting in the deaths of millions of chickens. According to the US Department of Agriculture, a dozen large eggs in the Midwest currently averages $7.08 wholesale, roughly seven times higher than the price two years prior.
Egg prices are still skyrocketing because of "bird flu" culling and Michigan's new cage-free law. But it's mainly because we have such a consolidated food supply. One issue and half the supply is cut. The top 20 egg producers in the US account for more than 70% of the country's… pic.twitter.com/ANFwcFIhSD
— Chef Andrew Gruel (@ChefGruel) December 29, 2024
Mass Deaths Of Egg-Laying Chickens
According to the farmer group United Egg Producers, approximately 104 million egg-laying hens have died since the outbreak began in 2022, with 29 million killed since October. This has led to grocery store shortages while consumers continue to purchase more, the report stated.
Medications like Ozempic, intended for diabetes management but commonly utilized for weight reduction, are increasing the demand for eggs as a protein source.
In New York City, the cost hit $11.99 for a carton containing twelve cage-free eggs at Whole Foods Inc. The nationwide retailer imposed a limit of three cartons per customer at certain locations in the city.