Consumers, businesses feeling egg price hikes

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Cases of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, are on the rise and egg supplies and prices are ruffling some feathers at businesses and grocery stores in central Ohio.  

According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio has reported the highest number of bird flu cases among commercial poultry operations in the country resulting in a domino effect. 

If you have sticker shock from egg prices, you're not alone. Shoppers like Zack Burgess are in the same boat.

"The one brand that I get usually is still pretty reasonably priced like $5, $5.50, but another brand that I usually get, it went from about $6 is now $11," Burgess said. 

Three Bites Bakery owner Isabella Bonello said she's also feeling the effects. 

"Two weeks ago, I bought a case of eggs, it's about 15 dozen eggs, for about $95," Bonello said. "Then when I went to place the same order yesterday, they were up to about $147." 

Bird flu continues to impact egg-laying flocks, forcing suppliers to cut production, and causing shortages and increased prices. Bonello said that as a small business owner, she's scared. 

"It raises your bottom line for sure," Bonello said. "So an already struggling food business is going to struggle even more because the profit margins are so much smaller." 

Bonello said she uses eggs in almost everything she makes. 

"I think a lot of people lose sight of the fact that if you are feeling an increase of costs when you go to the grocery store, right, what do you think is happening to us?” Bonello said. “It's no different for us." 

According to Bonello, the impact is more noticeable this time around than the last major wave of bird flu a few years ago.  

"And we still have to pay our employees," Bonello said. "We still have to pay rent. We still have to pay, you know, utilities. All of those things still cost money."

Bonello purchases eggs from a local producer. She said the smaller farms typically aren't hit as hard. 

"But to see even those go up and those are probably also just going up because demand is so high," Bonello said. 

Bonello said she fears this is just the tip of the iceberg.  

"If prices continue to go up in the way that egg prices are going up, the only way we'll be able to stay open is if we pass those expenses on to the customer," she said. "It's just the way that buying and selling goods works, unfortunately." 

A statement from Jim Chakeres, executive vice president of Ohio Poultry Association reads: 

“Ohio’s egg, chicken and turkey farmers are committed to caring for their flocks and doing all that is possible to prevent the introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) on their farms. HPAI is devastating to farmers and the birds they raise. 

“Extensive on-farm biosecurity and stringent disease prevention practices in place are effective, but not foolproof, and the migration of wild birds and waterfowl spreading the disease have led to continued cases of bird flu in Ohio’s commercial poultry flocks. 

“The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and USDA have been supporting farmers in counties affected by this virus. These farms are working closely with federal and state officials to take necessary precautions and emergency measures to prevent the disease from spreading further. 

“It is important to know that both USDA and FDA confirm that HPAI cannot be transmitted through safely handled and thoroughly cooked meat or eggs, and the CDC reinforces the risk of HPAI to public health remains low. 

“OPA urges all poultry owners to remain in a heightened state of biosecurity and disease prevention practices, including limiting on-farm visitors and vehicles. We greatly value the support and guidance of USDA and the Ohio Department of Agriculture as we navigate this difficult time.” 

Meantime a statement from Giant Eagle reads:  

“We have been actively exploring all opportunities to limit the impact that rising industry egg costs have on our customers. To best support our customers during this uncertain time, we have made the decision to sell all conventional shelled eggs at or below our cost across all our supermarkets starting this Thursday. Additionally, we are updating our in-store signage to encourage customers to limit their purchases to no more than three egg cartons per transaction to help ensure supply for as many customers as possible. 

“While it is difficult for any retailer to predict the impact the avian influenza and other factors will have on egg costs in the coming weeks and months, we believe these actions are necessary to show up for our customers at this important moment.” 

The Agriculture Department predicts egg prices are going to continue to soar another 20% in 2025.