Grocery stores across the country are limiting egg purchases as the supply chain struggles to recover from mass poultry culls tied to avian flu outbreaks. Major retailers, including Costco and Trader Joe’s, have implemented purchase limits, leaving many shoppers frustrated as prices continue to rise.

The ongoing crisis traces back to policies that have led to the slaughter of millions of birds in response to bird flu infections. Since the H5N1 strain first reached the United States in 2022, over 148 million birds have been euthanized. This response, carried out by public health authorities, has severely strained egg production and availability.

Retailers have begun enforcing strict limits on egg purchases. Trader Joe’s has capped purchases at one dozen per customer per day, while Whole Foods and Sprouts Farmers Market have placed similar restrictions. Costco has also warned customers that shell eggs and egg products may be cut from delivery orders without notice.

In Missouri and Illinois alone, at least 60 stores are limiting egg sales, including Costco and Trader Joe’s locations. The shortages have led to panic buying, with viral videos showing shoppers clearing out store shelves within minutes. Some locations have reported cartons disappearing as soon as they are restocked.

Egg prices have soared, with the cost of a dozen eggs reaching an average of $3.82, more than double what they cost in 2020. Some areas have reported even higher prices, with cartons selling for as much as $9. Waffle House has responded by adding a 50-cent surcharge for each egg at its 2,100 restaurant locations.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has warned that supply shortages will persist, with egg prices expected to rise another 20% this year. Despite the continued strain on consumers, the federal response has remained unchanged, with poultry culling continuing as the primary strategy to contain bird flu outbreaks.