Summary

Egg producers blame the bird flu outbreak for record-high prices, but critics argue dominant companies are exploiting supply shortages to boost profits.

With over 166 million birds culled and egg layers significantly reduced, prices surged from under $2 to nearly $5 per dozen.

Egg supply is down only 4% from last year, yet profits have surged. Cal-Maine Foods, supplying 20% of U.S. eggs, reported a $219 million profit in the last quarter, compared to just $1.2 million before the outbreak, a 18,150% increase.

Lawmakers and advocacy groups are calling for a government investigation into potential monopolistic practices.

    • rockSlayer@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      10 hours ago

      It’s important to remember that we can’t dictate or predict other people’s dietary restrictions. We can still feel empathy for people in a predicament due to prices

      • enemenemu@lemm.ee
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        10 hours ago

        Dietary restriction? What disease mandates eating eggs?

        Empathy for people for eating expensive eggs? Usually people want empathy for the animals because eating them is cruel.

        • YarHarSuperstar@lemmy.world
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          6 hours ago

          One example I can think of is that it could be a safe food for someone with an eating disorder or sensory considerations.