Egg prices are soaring.
Waffle House has implemented a $0.50 surcharge on all egg items across its more than 2,000 locations due to rising egg prices caused by the bird flu. This new charge took effect on Monday.
In a statement, the popular restaurant chain explained that the surcharge was necessary because of the highly contagious bird flu, which has led to a significant reduction in the chicken population and resulted in an egg shortage. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that over 13 million hens have been lost or culled since December due to the outbreak.
Economists and analysts point to the bird flu as the primary driver behind the sharp rise in egg prices, along with the typical surge in demand during the winter holidays. Over the past year, egg prices in the U.S. have increased by 50%, with the steepest hikes occurring since November, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Waffle House emphasized that the surcharge is a temporary measure and will be adjusted or removed as egg prices stabilize. The company acknowledged the challenges consumers and businesses are facing due to the price increases but expressed hope that the fluctuations will not last long.
To address the spread of bird flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged hospitals to quickly determine whether flu patients are infected with bird flu or seasonal flu. The CDC stressed that timely testing can help prevent the further spread of the virus and ensure patients receive appropriate treatment.
