U.S. Egg Imports Surge Amid Ongoing Shortage Driven by Bird Flu

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States has nearly doubled its imports of Brazilian eggs, which were previously designated solely for pet food. This move, part of the Trump administration’s efforts to mitigate skyrocketing egg prices exacerbated by a prolonged avian influenza outbreak, aims to ease the burden on both grocery shoppers and food producers.

Imports of Brazilian eggs, as well as potential changes to regulations regarding broiler chicken eggs, have been proposed as a solution to the ongoing egg shortage. The decision comes after bird flu has wiped out nearly 170 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds since early 2022. Despite these measures, both the Brazilian and broiler chicken eggs would not be sold directly on grocery shelves; instead, they could be incorporated into processed foods like cake mixes, ice creams, and salad dressings, thus freeing up fresh eggs for consumers.

Allowing the use of broiler chicken eggs for human consumption would require regulatory adjustments. Some food safety experts have expressed concerns about the potential risks to public health, particularly the possibility of harmful bacteria contaminating food products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently reviewing a proposal that seeks to allow the sale of these eggs, which traditionally have been discarded due to lack of refrigeration that meets safety standards.

In February, wholesale egg prices skyrocketed by 93% compared to the previous year, emphasizing the pressing nature of the egg crisis. As grocery aisles show dwindling supplies and restaurants struggle to keep up with demand, food inflation remains a significant concern, particularly in relation to fresh produce and other goods.

In January, the Trump administration relaxed import restrictions, permitting Brazilian eggs to enter the U.S. market for processing into food products aimed at consumers. The Brazilian Animal Protein Association confirmed that the country qualifies under U.S. regulations for such imports, although Brazil currently battles Newcastle disease, a virus affecting poultry populations.

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson, R-South Dakota, co-sponsored legislation aimed at promoting the repurposing of broiler chicken eggs into food products, stating, “We need more yolks for folks.” According to the chicken industry, around 360 million such eggs produced annually are unsuitable for hatching and are often discarded despite being safe for consumption.

Mark Burleson, senior director of veterinary services at Wayne-Sanderson Farms, noted that the company disposes of approximately 500,000 eggs weekly that fail to meet specifications. Previously, these eggs were utilized in food manufacturing but regulatory changes since 2009, intended to reduce salmonella risks, required strict refrigeration protocols that many producers cannot meet in a timely manner.

The council representing broiler chicken producers asserts that pasteurized eggs pose no public health threat. However, concerns remain regarding the refrigeration process, as insufficient cooling could elevate bacteria levels to dangerous amounts.

As states like Nevada and Arizona suspend animal welfare policies aimed at promoting cage-free hens, the situation continues to evolve. Nevada recently abandoned a 2021 law mandating that all eggs sold in the state must originate from cage-free sources. Meanwhile, Arizona lawmakers are deliberating a similar proposal, reflecting a shift in consumer demands amid supply shortages and soaring prices.

“A few years ago, the consumer was demanding a cage-free product,” remarked Patrick Bray, the executive vice president of the Arizona Farm and Ranch Group. “Now, the consumers’ eyes have been opened up a little bit as we’ve lost hundreds of millions of birds and egg prices are through the roof.”