As the nation grapples with an unprecedented shortage of eggs, due to a severe outbreak of bird flu affecting egg-laying hens, Trader Joe’s has taken decisive action to manage its egg inventory. In a bid to ensure that all customers have access to this staple, the popular grocery chain has set a purchase limit of one dozen eggs per customer per day.
The Impact of Bird Flu
Since 2022, the United States has been battling a bird flu outbreak that has led to the slaughter of nearly 158 million birds, primarily affecting the population of egg-laying chickens. This drastic reduction in the number of chickens has created a significant gap in egg production.
In 2025 alone, over 21 million egg-laying hens have been lost to the disease. These losses have triggered a sharp increase in egg prices, with the average wholesale price for large white-shell eggs reaching around $7.50 in the Midwest, as reported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This price represents a more than 6% increase in just a week and a staggering 30% rise since the beginning of the year.
Nationwide Restrictions at Retailers
Trader Joe’s is not alone in its decision to limit egg purchases. Other major retailers such as Costco, Whole Foods, and Aldi have also imposed their own restrictions, although Trader Joe’s policy of allowing just one dozen per customer is currently the strictest.
This policy has been implemented across all Trader Joe’s stores nationwide, with signs posted to inform customers of the new limit and to apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Response and Reactions
The decision to limit egg purchases is seen as a necessary step to ensure equitable access to eggs for as many customers as possible. “We apologize for any kind of inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding,” reads a sign at Trader Joe’s stores.
This move has been met with mixed reactions from the public, with some appreciating the effort to distribute resources fairly, while others express frustration over the additional strain on household shopping.
Economic Implications
The bird flu outbreak and subsequent egg shortage have broader economic implications, particularly in light of ongoing inflation. Despite promises from political figures to tackle rising grocery prices, January saw a 3% inflation spike, with egg prices soaring by 53% year-over-year. This has put additional pressure on consumers, who are already dealing with price hikes in other essentials like beef and bacon.
Looking Ahead
Trader Joe’s and other grocery chains are closely monitoring the situation, hoping that their purchasing limits will help stabilize the market until egg production can return to normal levels. Meanwhile, health officials assure the public that eggs remain safe to eat when cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which effectively kills any viruses.
Final Thoughts
As the situation evolves, Trader Joe’s remains committed to providing updates and adjusting their policies as needed to respond to changes in supply and demand. For now, customers are encouraged to plan accordingly and consider the needs of others when shopping for eggs during this challenging time.
