• Waffle House has introduced a 50 cent surcharge on each egg served as a response to rising egg prices due to a severe bird flu outbreak.
• The average price per dozen eggs hit $4.15 in December, with significant price hikes expected to continue.
• More than 150 million poultry birds have been slaughtered since 2022 to control the spread of H5N1 bird flu.

The Waffle House restaurant chain has taken action amidst the ongoing surge in egg prices by instituting a 50-cent surcharge for every egg ordered. This decision, effective from February 3, is a direct result of the most severe bird flu outbreak the United States has seen in a decade, which has significantly impacted poultry availability and prices. According to statements from Waffle House, the company noted that the ongoing egg shortage caused by the continuing spread of bird flu has resulted in soaring costs that cannot be ignored. The average cost of a dozen eggs in the U.S. rose to $4.15 in December 2024, marking an increase above previous years, although not yet reaching the record high of $4.82 set two years ago.

Americans can expect egg prices to climb further, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimating an overall increase of about 20% this year if current trends persist. The impact of avian influenza, which has increased egg prices and supply chain issues, has led to farmers culling millions of chickens monthly. Currently, Waffle House serves more than 272 million eggs annually across its approximately 2,000 locations nationwide, significantly relying on supply from producers severely affected by the disease.

As bird flu continues to pose a threat, Waffle House has communicated that it is continuously monitoring the egg market and intends to adjust or possibly eliminate the surcharge based on market conditions. “While we hope these price fluctuations will be short-lived, we cannot predict how long this shortage will last,” stated a representative from the chain. Beyond the immediate effects on restaurant pricing, consumers have expressed concern regarding the broader implications of these rising costs, particularly as egg prices have become a reflection of inflationary pressures on the economy.

The recent avian influenza outbreak, documented to have infected or killed nearly 150 million birds across the U.S., prompts significant concern, especially with the impending Easter holiday. Health officials warn that individuals handling sick or deceased birds should take precautions, though human infections remain rare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded only 67 cases of bird flu infections in people in the U.S. since early 2024, with one reported fatality linked to underlying health conditions.

As Waffle House adapts to these changes, other establishments face similar challenges in maintaining accessibility and affordability of egg-based dishes. The agricultural community and consumers alike are left to navigate the ongoing uncertainties surrounding production, pricing, and health concerns related to avian influenza, which continues to wreak havoc on the poultry industry. For more details on the impact of the bird flu on food prices and availability, visit AP News or ABC News.