Since late last year, the poultry industry has been suffering from an alarming bird flu crisis. Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral illness that can cause respiratory distress, decreased energy and appetite, low egg production, misshapen eggs, and even sudden death in infected birds.
During the last few months of 2024, bird flu has killed 20 million egg-laying chickens nationwide.
However, the crisis appears to be improving as the number of infected birds has decreased over the last few months. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the disease has infected 11 commercial flocks, 48 backyard flocks, and over 2 million birds in the past 30 days across the U.S.
Related: Walmart’s move to avoid high tariff costs receives harsh response
Last month, the department revealed that around 12 million birds were infected with the virus.
Amid the startling crisis, many consumers have been flagging on social media that they are facing egg shortages and inflated egg prices in grocery stores.
View the original article to see embedded media.
Walmart (WMT) even began limiting customers to two 60-count cartons of eggs per purchase last month to tackle shortages.
Walmart makes major change to a popular deal
Now, the retail giant appears to be taking further steps to preserve its egg supply. In preparation for Easter, which is on April 20 this year, Walmart announced its new Easter meal kit.
The meal contains glazed ham, a bag of russet potatoes, fresh green beans and corn, dinner rolls, etc., and it sells for roughly $42. However, it is missing eggs, which were a key part of Walmart’s Easter meal kit last year.
A customer walks through an aisle at a Walmart store in Grand Prairie, Texas, US, on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
The 2024 Easter meal kit contained an 18-count carton of cage-free large brown eggs from Marketside.
Eggs are considered an essential part of Easter in the U.S., and some consumers traditionally use eggs for Easter egg hunts for children.
Despite the missing key ingredient, Walmart claims that its meal is priced lower than last year’s and will be available until April 20.
Related: Walmart is cracking down on a growing problem with delivery
“Back by customer demand, Walmart is proud to again offer incredible savings on top of its Every Day Low Prices with an entire Easter meal at an even lower average price than last year,” said Walmart in a March 26 press release. “Available now through April 20, Walmart’s meal serves eight people for less than $6 per person, making impressing guests for Easter dinner or a springtime brunch super easy and affordable.”
Last year, Walmart’s Easter meal kit was priced at $8 per person.
The egg crisis is forcing businesses to make harsh decisions
Walmart isn’t the only business that has had to make major adjustments amid the bird flu outbreak.
Many other grocery store chains such as Sprouts, Aldi and Costco have also limited the amount of egg cartons their customers can purchase per visit.
More Retail:
AT&T quietly issues stern warning to customers Sam’s Club makes a big change to a beloved membership perkGameStop announces risky move amid store closures
In early February, Waffle House began placing stickers on its menus at its locations across the country warning customers that they will be charged a “temporary surcharge” of $0.50 per egg due to the “nationwide rise in cost of eggs.” This increase translates to an extra $6 per egg dozen.
Denny’s later followed in Waffle House’s footsteps, claiming in a statement that the “increased cost of eggs” forced it to add a temporary surcharge to every meal that contained eggs.
According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average cost for a dozen eggs in the U.S. has spiked by 50% over the past year.
Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast
