Egg Prices In California Reach $9 Per Dozen

In some areas. USDA blames rising cost of eggs on a reduction in supply because of bird flu.

The price of a dozen eggs in California has reached nearly $9 per dozen in some areas, as demand continues to rise amid an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu.
In its overview of egg markets last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said the California benchmark for large shell eggs rose $0.78 to $8.97 per dozen, due to a reduction in supply.
Those prices can be seen when shopping online for eggs at supermarkets across the state.

 
For instance, Walmart in Chico on Tuesday night listed an 18-count carton of Great Value Cage-Free Large White Eggs for $9.52, while a dozen of the same type of eggs from Great Value were listed at $7.22.
"Demand for shell eggs posted a slight rise into the last two weeks of the year, supported by concerns over tight supplies due to persistent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in layer flocks," the USDA wrote. "These flock losses, coming at a critical demand point, have driven wholesale prices past the record levels set in December 2022 when HAPI outbreaks had a similar impact on the market."
The FDA also reported this week that egg production in the U.S. dropped 4% in November as the price of eggs and cases of bird flu continue to rise across the country.