Bird flu causing egg shortage, spiking up prices in Arizona grocery stores

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) – A viral outbreak is disrupting breakfast for tens of millions of Individuals, prompting a nationwide egg scarcity. Now, Arizona households are seeing egg costs skyrocket. Amanda Grey received her grocery buying finished, however she’s exhausted with one factor. “Costs are outrageous for eggs. They’re simply outrageous, and I’m certain from farm to desk, everyone seems to be struggling. However undoubtedly, costs are going up,” mentioned Grey.

In line with the Shopper Worth Index, the value of eggs shot up by 49% previously yr. Julie Murphree, with the Arizona Farm Bureau Federation, mentioned egg producers nationwide are getting hit exhausting by the chook flu and impacting egg-laying hens. She mentioned Arizona is hanging on. “As of proper now, Arizona is OK by way of our laying hens right here within the farms which have birds that lay eggs,” mentioned Murphree. “It’s nonetheless considered one of our most economical pure proteins. So at nearly 50% enhance, it’s nonetheless very economical on the planet of proteins.”

The Arizona Meals Advertising Alliance represents most main grocery shops within the state. Its president, Mark Miller, mentioned provide and demand is driving up costs at shops. “The value is ready by the nationwide stage as a result of there’s so many various producers that transfer all through the states. The place one might need an issue, then the opposite one tries to fill it up and causes a scarcity in our state,” mentioned Miller.

He mentioned from his visits, stock and choice are nonetheless good in lots of shops. Nonetheless, it’s not the case for others. One Valley retailer worker mentioned eggs are going quick, however Grey hopes the excessive costs will go away sooner. “Some reduction could be good. We’re lucky sufficient to have the ability to put meals on our desk however different households aren’t in the identical scenario,” mentioned she mentioned. “All of us simply want some reduction.”

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