Egg producers blame the ongoing bird flu outbreak for driving prices up to record highs. But some believe giant companies are taking advantage of their market dominance to profit handsomely at the expense of egg buyers.

Summary

Egg producers blame the bird flu outbreak for record-high prices, but critics argue dominant companies are exploiting supply shortages to boost profits.

With over 166 million birds culled and egg layers significantly reduced, prices surged from under $2 to nearly $5 per dozen.

Egg supply is down only 4% from last year, yet profits have surged. Cal-Maine Foods, supplying 20% of U.S. eggs, reported a $219 million profit in the last quarter, compared to just $1.2 million before the outbreak, a 18,150% increase.

Lawmakers and advocacy groups are calling for a government investigation into potential monopolistic practices.

  • peregrin5@lemm.eeEnglish
    52·
    7 hours ago

    You’re talking just about breakfast and for some reason kids. Eggs are simply used for much more than that.

    They are used in custards, quiches, enriched breads, pasta, pastries, fried rice, egg salads, mayonnaise, etc. The list goes on. There is no real substitute for it.