The spread of avian flu and consumer stockpiling have led major U.S. supermarket chains—including Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Kroger—to impose purchase limits on eggs. These restrictions aim to ensure fair access as supply struggles to meet demand.

The highly pathogenic H5N1 virus has severely impacted the poultry industry, reducing egg availability across the country. In response, several chains have restricted how many eggs customers can buy per day.

The shortage is directly linked to the devastating impact of avian flu on egg-laying hens. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 40 million hens have died in the past year due to the virus.

The crisis has led to a sharp increase prices, with some consumers reporting costs as high as $10 per dozen in certain states. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in December, the average price for a dozen large, Grade A eggs was $4.15—up from $3.65 the previous month.

Retailers such as Sprouts have also introduced limits, capping purchases at four dozen per customer. The restaurant industry has not been spared, either. Waffle House recently announced a $0.50 surcharge per egg on its menu, while Cracker Barrel has opted not to raise prices, a move seen as a competitive strategy.

Supermarkets Set Limits on Egg Purchases

Trader Joe’s has implemented nationwide restrictions. A company spokesperson told CNN, “Due to ongoing supply issues, we are currently limiting egg purchases to one dozen per customer, per day, in all Trader Joe’s stores nationwide. We hope these limits will help ensure that as many customers as possible can buy this product when they visit us.”

Costco has also followed suit. According to ABC, a notice from the company warns that “due to supply challenges caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza, eggs and related products may be limited or removed from delivery orders without notice.” Meanwhile, social media videos show customers stockpiling eggs, further worsening the crisis.

Consumers have taken to social media to share images of empty shelves and long lines at supermarkets like Costco. Many are frustrated with the lack of control over stockpiling.

It remains unclear how long these restrictions will last, but experts like Emily Metz estimate that it could take at least six months to stabilize the supply chain. In the meantime, supermarkets and shoppers alike will have to adjust to higher prices and limited availability.

Some chains have left purchase limits up to individual stores. Kroger, for instance, allows locations to impose restrictions based on local supply, with some limiting purchases to two dozen eggs per customer.

For now, retailers aim to distribute this product as fairly as possible while the industry works toward recovery.