NEW YORK (AP) – Trader Joe and other grocery stores are limiting the number of eggs customers can buy across the US, citing the limited supply caused by the ongoing outbreak of avian flu.
Trader Joe’s purchases in one carton per customer every day, a Monrovia, California-based chain confirmed. That limit applies to all trader Joe locations across the country.
“We hope these restrictions will help many of our customers who need eggs to buy them when they visit Trader Joe,” the company said on Tuesday in the statement sent to the Associated Press. stated in.
Photos of in-store notifications regarding egg purchase restrictions at retailers across the country have swirled online in recent weeks. In addition to Trader Joe, consumers and several local media outlets have reported various restrictions found at stores such as Costco, Whole Foods, Kroger and Aldi locations.
See: Why Fatal Bird Flu Strains Surge in Egg Prices nationwide
However, it is not known when each limit is enabled. And not everything is implemented nationwide. For example, a Kroger spokesman confirmed that the supermarket giant currently does not have “enterprise-wide restrictions,” but the regional department and some store banners have been able to purchase two dozen eggs per trip. He says he wants it from his customers.
Walmart says it doesn’t impose national restrictions either. This is expected to buy a bulky 60 count carton, limited to two per purchase.
“Even though supply is very strict, we are working with our suppliers to help us meet customer demand while keeping prices as low as possible,” Walmart said in an email.
Costco, Whole Foods and Aldi did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday. However, Costco confirmed to CNN that the chain is restricting its customers to three egg packages. This is usually sold in two or four dozen cartons. Meanwhile, previously seen notifications at some target locations warn of a shortage of suppliers, but do not indicate specific purchase restrictions. The AP contacted the retailer for more details.
The bird flu has forced farmers to massacre millions of chickens a month, pushing egg prices more than double the cost in the summer of 2023.
The average national price reached $4.15 in December. And the agricultural sector, which is projecting prices will rise another 20% this year, does not seem to see any relief. Retailers could feel the added pressure as demand for Easter approaches quickly.
Beyond grocery store restrictions, US consumers are facing more expensive eggs in some restaurants. For example, Waffle House said last week it would add an extra 50 cents per egg to all menu items.
