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.

  • enemenemu@lemm.ee
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    4 days ago

    People have to understand that if the price is too high, they can just not buy it.

    It is as simple as that. As long as you buy, it is not too expensive. Just stop eating eggs.

    • triptrapper@lemmy.world
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      4 days ago

      What you’re saying is true in fact, but I feel like you’re letting the price gougers off the hook a little. Eggs are popular because they’re versatile, nutritionally dense and traditionally cheap. Eggs are almost the best breakfast kids can have before school because they help with focus and keep them full. There really isn’t a replacement at the same price point. I don’t think we should expect them to be so cheap that we rely on animal cruelty, but they shouldn’t be a luxury item either.

      EDIT: to clarify, it’s the protein and fat that help with focus and fullness, not eggs specifically.

      • enemenemu@lemm.ee
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        4 days ago

        Yes, eggs are very good nutritionwise. But deseases like mentioned in the post (those greedy company owners) should steer people away from it. Somehow it doesn’t and people keep buying it.

        I’d prefer oats + (soy) yoghurt (skyr) + fruits

      • MutilationWave@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        3 days ago

        Cottage cheese is a delicious replacement. Tons of fat and protein. It takes seasonings very well, and/or you can add just about anything to it.

        I was just briefly fact checking myself and apparently it can even replace eggs in some kind of baking! That’s cool.

        I like it many ways but with nuts added, a bit of hot sauce, and whatever seasoning is a great go to. I forgot how much I loved it until a couple months ago.

    • Netrunner@programming.dev
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      3 days ago

      And people have to understand that Marie Antoinette said the same line and it started the french revolution.

    • tburkhol@lemmy.world
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      4 days ago

      Haven’t bought eggs all year. Not over $4. Of course, for me, they’re just a nice treat…shoyu eggs make a great snack; egg baked on khachapuri; fried over rice. Some people, they’re a key protein, or essential to cakes & cookies. I figure, if the price is high, then leaving them on the shelf makes more available where they’re irreplaceable, but I can still feel bad for people who have to pay that price.

        • rockSlayer@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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          4 days 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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            4 days 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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              4 days ago

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