If you’re planning on grabbing breakfast at Waffle House this week, be prepared to pay a little extra for your eggs. Starting Monday, the Norcross-based diner chain is adding a temporary 50-cent surcharge per egg due to soaring prices linked to the ongoing bird flu outbreak.
“The continuing egg shortage caused by HPAI (highly pathogenic avian influenza) has caused a dramatic increase in egg prices,” Waffle House announced in a statement on Monday. “Customers and restaurants are being forced to make difficult decisions. We are continuously monitoring egg prices and will adjust or remove the surcharge as market conditions allow.”
The bird flu outbreak is the main driver behind these skyrocketing prices. When the virus is detected on a poultry farm, the entire flock must be culled to prevent the spread. Since many industrial egg farms house over a million chickens, just a few outbreaks can dramatically impact the egg supply.
The recovery process isn’t quick, either. It can take months to safely dispose of the infected birds, disinfect the facilities, and bring in new hens to restart production. Since the start of the outbreak, over 145 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds have been slaughtered, with egg-laying hens making up the vast majority.
In addition to the bird flu, new cage-free egg laws in 10 states are also contributing to supply disruptions and price increases. These laws, which require more space for chickens or mandate cage-free environments, have already taken effect in states like California, Massachusetts, and Oregon. While these changes improve animal welfare, they can also lead to higher production costs and fewer available eggs.
Waffle House is closely watching egg prices and says it will remove the surcharge when market conditions improve. Until then, customers can expect to see the extra 50-cent charge reflected in their breakfast bills.
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