After the outbreak of bird flu last year caused Egg prices skyrocketed Across the country, shell-shocked consumers are getting some relief.
Next significantly reduced In the previous four weeks, the average price for a dozen large eggs on May 5 in California was $1.68, compared with a high of $7.37 in January and $2.35 a year earlier, according to the report. United States Department of Agriculture.
Increased supply is the main reason for the price drop.
“Total U.S. egg production reached 9.21 billion in March 2023,” reports USDA report speak. This is down 3% year-on-year but is up from a nearly 30% drop in 2022 due to bird flu. More than 43 million chickens were lost that year, according to the agency.
Bird flu resulted in 29% fewer eggs sold in the last week of December than at the beginning of 2022. according to USDA. Demand for eggs usually spikes in December.
With production back on track, prices have returned to pre-breakout levels.
of California Proposition 12, According to an analysis by the state’s independent Office of Legislative Analysis, the requirement that hens stay out of cages by 2022, may have contributed to the price increase. Tight supply left store shelves empty.
Price spike leads to increase in Eggs seized at Mexican border by Customs and Border Patrol agents. Arrests at the San Diego field office from October through December increased by 384 percent from the same period in 2021. Undercooked eggs from Mexico are not allowed into the United States because of the risk of disease.
Cheaper eggs are good news for the poorest people in California, who already feel food price inflation Most. Last year, food banks reported an increase in first-time users as food costs rose rapidly. Although prices of staples are still high, consumers can count on cheaper eggs – for now.
Times staff writer Salvador Hernandez contributed to this report.
