NEW YORK — The popular Waffle House restaurant chain has announced a surcharge of 50 cents per egg, a measure prompted by the most significant bird flu outbreak in the last ten years.
The all-day diner indicated that this egg shortage has led to a substantial hike in their expenses.
Farmers have been compelled to cull millions of chickens each month due to bird flu, causing egg prices in the U.S. to surge to more than twice what they were during the summer of 2023.
With Easter approaching, experts anticipate that no immediate relief is forthcoming.
As of December, the average cost for a dozen eggs across the nation reached $4.15. Although this figure falls short of the peak price of $4.82 recorded two years prior, the Agriculture Department forecasts that egg prices might rise another 20% in the current year.
The Waffle House, known for its affordable breakfast options, implemented this egg surcharge effective this week across all its menu offerings. For instance, the price of a two-egg breakfast, served with toast and a side, was noted at $7.75 on Tuesday.
The chain expressed hope that these pricing changes would be temporary, yet acknowledged the uncertainty regarding the duration of the current shortage.
They are actively monitoring egg prices and indicated that the surcharge may be adjusted or rescinded based on market conditions.
In recent developments, Louisiana reported the first human death attributed to bird flu in the U.S. since the outbreak began, with a total of 67 confirmed human infections noted since 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been widely disseminating among various species, including wild birds, poultry, and other animals. Health officials have suggested that its increasing presence in the environment could elevate the risks for human exposure, although cases remain uncommon.
Authorities advise those who may come into contact with sick or deceased birds to take necessary precautions, such as using respiratory protection, goggles, and gloves when handling poultry.
Based in Georgia, Waffle House operates more than 1,900 locations across 25 states.
