The highly concentrated egg market may be contributing to soaring consumer prices – and the spread of the virus, data shared exclusively with the Guardian shows

Summary

Major egg corporations may be using avian flu as a ruse to hike up prices, generating record profits while hurting American consumers, new research suggests.

  • Egg prices soared to nearly $5 a dozen, rising 157% since before the avian flu outbreak, despite only a 9% drop in laying hens.

  • Cal-Maine, controlling 20% of the US market, saw a sevenfold profit increase in 2023 compared to 2021.

  • Over 166 million poultry have been culled, but critics say consolidation and slow flock replacement may inflate prices beyond the virus’s 12-24% direct cost.

Lawmakers urge investigations, while the Trump administration plans vaccines, reduced culling, and a $1bn avian flu fund to help stabilize costs.

    • BlackAura@lemmy.world
      1·
      11 hours ago

      Kirkland Costco, admittedly 2-3 weeks ago. Something like $9.59 for two dozen.

      Something between $9 and $10 on the price tag is what I remember.

      No idea what it is now.