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.

  • enemenemu@lemm.ee
    418·
    2 months ago

    People have to understand that if the price is too high, they can just not buy it.

    It is as simple as that. As long as you buy, it is not too expensive. Just stop eating eggs.

    • triptrapper@lemmy.world
      25·
      2 months ago

      What you’re saying is true in fact, but I feel like you’re letting the price gougers off the hook a little. Eggs are popular because they’re versatile, nutritionally dense and traditionally cheap. Eggs are almost the best breakfast kids can have before school because they help with focus and keep them full. There really isn’t a replacement at the same price point. I don’t think we should expect them to be so cheap that we rely on animal cruelty, but they shouldn’t be a luxury item either.

      EDIT: to clarify, it’s the protein and fat that help with focus and fullness, not eggs specifically.

      • enemenemu@lemm.ee
        2·
        2 months ago

        Yes, eggs are very good nutritionwise. But deseases like mentioned in the post (those greedy company owners) should steer people away from it. Somehow it doesn’t and people keep buying it.

        I’d prefer oats + (soy) yoghurt (skyr) + fruits

    • tburkhol@lemmy.world
      61·
      2 months ago

      Haven’t bought eggs all year. Not over $4. Of course, for me, they’re just a nice treat…shoyu eggs make a great snack; egg baked on khachapuri; fried over rice. Some people, they’re a key protein, or essential to cakes & cookies. I figure, if the price is high, then leaving them on the shelf makes more available where they’re irreplaceable, but I can still feel bad for people who have to pay that price.