Table Talk: What eggs-actly is going on?
Theprice of eggs has gone up due to the nationwide bird-flu epidemic. (Robert F. Bukaty/AP file)
Jennifer Chandler
Jennifer Chandler has been a restaurateur, a cookbook author, a food stylist, a writer and a TV and radio personality.
Are eggs part of your regular order at Waffle House? Be ready to pay a little extra.
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, the national chain announced a 50-cent surcharge — per each egg ordered — in response to the soaring cost of eggs due to the nationwide bird-flu epidemic.
I, myself, have been curious about what is going on with eggs.
On my last two visits to Whole Foods, the egg section has been almost wiped out. The only options are pasture-raised and organic eggs. The grocery chain has also limited the number of egg cartons each customer can buy at a time.
“We are currently experiencing difficulty sourcing eggs that meet our strict animal welfare standards. For now, we’re limiting purchases to three cartons per customer,” said the sign on the case this past weekend.
“Fresh food is always impacted by weather and natural disasters. With issues caused by the recent freezes in Georgia, there is recovery,” grocery store owner Rick James poses said. “With the bird flu, however, there is no immediate recovery in sight.” (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian file)
Rick James, the owner of the CashSaver grocery chain, High Point Grocery and South Point Grocery, said the impact of bird flu on egg-laying chickens has been devastating.
According to the CDC, more than 153 million chickens have been infected with bird flu since January 2022.
“Eggland’s Best has stopped shipping eggs altogether,” James said.
There is some bright news.
Topics
Sunrise Memphis Ryan Trimm CashSaver Rick James Memphis Health Department Subscriber OnlyThank you for supporting local journalism.
Subscribers to The Daily Memphian help fund our not-for-profit newsroom of nearly 40 local journalists plus more than 20 freelancers, all of whom work around the clock to cover the issues impacting our community. Subscriptions - and donations - also help fund our community access programs which provide free access to K-12 schools, community organizations, and more. Thank you for making our work possible.
Related stories
Mocktails — plus N/A beer and wine — are having a moment
The sober and sober curious movements have made a mark, especially on restaurant and taproom menus.
‘Little bits of beauty’ bestowed at 17 Berkshire
Memphis’ own 17 Berkshire is one of 20 bakeries nationwide to be recognized this year by the James Beard Awards.
Tiny restaurant allows couple to offer personal touch
When chef Drew Bryan at Blue Honey Bistro heard he was a James Beard awards semifinalist, he texted back one, disbelieving word: “Ha!”
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.