Egg prices will be at a record-high for a while | CNN Business

CNN - Jan 25th, 2025

The ongoing avian flu outbreak and inflation are leading to continued high egg prices in the United States. According to the US Department of Agriculture, egg prices are projected to rise by about 20% in 2025, a significant increase compared to the general food price rise of 2.2%. The aggressive strain of avian flu has severely impacted the egg supply, with 17.2 million egg-laying hens killed in November and December last year. The average price of a dozen large, grade-A eggs was recorded at $4.15 in December, marking a year-over-year increase of more than 36%. Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board, notes that the high demand, exacerbated by holiday consumption, and panic buying have contributed to sustained high prices. As a result, some grocery stores have implemented purchasing limits to manage their supply.

The avian flu's persistence has led to additional outbreaks in states like California, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio, with 8.3 million birds dying in January alone. This has further strained the supply of egg-laying hens and young birds necessary for replenishment. The situation has also caused wholesale prices to spike, with New York seeing prices as high as $7.24 per dozen. The USDA anticipates that as long as the avian flu continues, egg prices will remain high, affecting both consumers and grocery retailers. This situation highlights the complex interplay between animal disease outbreaks, consumer behavior, and economic factors like inflation, emphasizing the indispensable role of eggs in daily life.

Inflation Grocery Prices Emily Metz American Egg Board Egg Prices Avian Flu Us Department Of Agriculture Panic Buying

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RATING

7.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and accurate overview of the impact of avian flu on egg prices, supported by credible sources such as the USDA and industry experts. It effectively addresses a topic of significant public interest, with timely relevance given current economic conditions. However, the story could benefit from a broader range of perspectives, including consumer and environmental viewpoints, to enhance balance. While the article is well-structured and clear, additional context and explanation in certain areas could improve transparency and comprehension. Overall, the article succeeds in informing readers about a critical issue affecting food prices and supply chains, with the potential to influence public opinion and policy discussions.

Accuracy

The story presents a high level of factual accuracy, with most claims supported by credible sources such as the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For instance, the article accurately reports the estimated increase in egg prices and the impact of avian flu on egg supply, citing USDA data. Additionally, the statistics regarding the number of birds killed due to the avian flu are consistent with official reports. However, the article could improve by providing more detailed verification of some claims, such as the specific impact on young birds and the timeline for supply recovery.

Balance

The story provides a balanced view by including perspectives from industry experts like Emily Metz and data from governmental sources like the USDA. However, it primarily focuses on the economic and supply chain aspects, with less emphasis on potential consumer impacts beyond price increases or the broader ecological implications of avian flu. Including voices from consumer advocacy groups or environmental experts could enhance the balance by providing a wider range of viewpoints.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language to convey the main points. It logically presents the impact of avian flu on egg prices, providing relevant statistics and expert opinions. However, some sections could benefit from more detailed explanations, such as the specific mechanisms by which avian flu affects egg supply and prices. Overall, the article is accessible to a general audience, but additional clarity in certain areas could improve comprehension.

Source quality

The article relies on authoritative sources such as the USDA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which are credible and reliable. It also includes statements from Emily Metz, a recognized industry expert. However, the article could benefit from a broader range of sources, such as independent economists or consumer advocacy groups, to provide a more comprehensive view of the situation.

Transparency

The article is fairly transparent in its presentation of data and sources, citing the USDA and Bureau of Labor Statistics for statistical claims. However, it could improve by providing more context on the methodology behind the USDA's price outlook and by explaining the potential biases or limitations of the sources used. Additionally, transparency about the potential conflicts of interest of industry representatives like Emily Metz would enhance the article's credibility.