By Sophie Tuan
Eggs are a staple household food. Besides being versatile and easy to whip up, they have always been relatively affordable. However, recently eggs are nowhere to be found, with supermarket shelves void of this vital ingredient. Not only have eggs become scarce, they have also become expensive. This year the average price for a dozen eggs in the US hit a record high at $4.95; in California, the same dozen eggs can go for more than $9.
Egg prices have shot up due to a recent resurgence in bird flu (Avian Flu). An epidemic of the Avian Flu has hit eight different states so far, including California. With chickens getting easily infected, farmers are oftentimes forced to kill entire flocks to stop the spread of disease. Twenty-one million chickens have already died. “According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the population of conventionally caged chickens has been reduced by 8%” (Caroline Petrow-Cohen).
Bird flu does not pose an enormous risk to human health — as cases tend to be pretty mild. However, people with underlying health issues are at severe risk of illness and potential death. Due to the safety concern and risk factor the recent epidemic poses to humans, millions of egg-producing chickens have had to be culled (killed). Therefore, with such a decrease in the production population, the supply simply cannot keep up with the demand for eggs. As demand continues to grow while the supply dwindles, it is understandable that prices will increase. Once the chicken population has recovered, the egg supply should be replenished and prices should go back to normal.
In the meantime, recipes that do not include eggs may prove useful!
- Edible Cookie Dough https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/255365/edible-cookie-dough/
- Baby Back Ribs https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/14539/prize-winning-baby-back-ribs/
- No Bake Cookies https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/9832/no-bake-cookies-i/
Traditional White Bread https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/20066/traditional-white-bread/