NEW YORK — The Waffle Home restaurant chain is placing a 50 cent per egg surcharge in place briefly because of the greatest hen flu outbreak in a decade.
The Georgia firm mentioned that the ensuing egg scarcity has led to a dramatic improve in its prices.
Hen flu is forcing farmers to slaughter hundreds of thousands of chickens a month, pushing U.S. egg costs to greater than double their value in the summertime of 2023. And it seems there could also be no reduction in sight with Easter approaching.
The typical worth per dozen eggs nationwide hit $4.15 in December. That’s not fairly as excessive as the $4.82 report set two years in the past, however the Agriculture Division predicts egg costs are going to soar one other 20% this yr.
The Waffle Home, properly often known as a spot to get an affordable breakfast, mentioned that its egg surcharge grew to become efficient this week and that it applies to all of its menus. The restaurant’s two-egg breakfast, which comes with toast and a aspect, was listed at $7.75 on Tuesday.
“Whereas we hope these worth fluctuations shall be short-lived we can not predict how lengthy this scarcity will final,” the corporate mentioned.
The restaurant continues to watch egg costs and mentioned that it’ll alter or take away the surcharge as market situations enable.
Final month the first U.S. human fatality linked hen flu was reported in Louisiana. There have been 67 confirmed hen flu infections of people within the U.S. since 2024, in response to the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.
The H5N1 hen flu has been spreading extensively amongst wild birds, poultry, cows and different animals. Its rising presence within the atmosphere will increase the possibilities that folks shall be uncovered, and probably catch it, officers have mentioned, although it stays uncommon.
Well being officers urge anybody who has contact with sick or lifeless birds to take precautions, together with respiratory and eye safety and gloves when dealing with poultry.