Eggs are very expensive this Thanksgiving season: The reason they cost almost 60% more than last year

Egg prices have fluctuated widely over the last two years, and as of October were around thirty percent higher than they were the year before, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As many prepare to make their Thanksgiving run to the supermarket, they might find them to be even higher, based on data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The report released on Friday that provides a summary of the market nationally, states that prices are “trending unchanged to higher on all sizes,” and that “demand remains moderate to fairly good.” For white eggs, the USDA reports buyers are paying prices that are roughly 63 percent higher than they were a year ago, and many are passing those prices along to the consumer.

Avian flu continues to sicken hens, lowering the country’s egg production

So far this year, outbreaks of the Avian Flu have impacted around 29 million birds. Not all have become ill, but a case or cases was reported to the CDC within the flock. Last year, the number was 19 million, meaning that a greater number of birds carry the risk of contracting the virus. When outbreaks occur, production slows as hens die or are slaughtered because of the risk they pose to the rest of the flock. As these outbreaks occur, supply drops, and if demand remains constant, prices start to push up.

Are eggs safe to eat?

Given the increase in the number of Avian flu cases among hens, and other birds, the Food and Drug Administration has made an active effort to inform the public that the eggs they purchase are still safe to eat.

“The likelihood that eggs from infected poultry are found in the retail market is low and proper storage and preparation further reduce the risk,” said in a factsheet released earlier this year. Farms have protocols in place that are activated when a case is uncovered, not to mention the ongoing testing of flocks as well as federal inspections that keep infected eggs from entering supply chains. None of the cases of Avian flu that have been identified in humans were contracted by eating an egg laid by an infected hen.