Waffle House imposes surcharge on egg items amid bird flu crisis

In the United States, Waffle House recently announced a $0.50 surcharge on all egg items sold at its over 2,000 locations. This increase is a direct result of soaring egg prices linked to an epidemic of bird flu that has severely affected the chicken population and led to an egg shortage. More than 13 million hens have been lost or culled since December, contributing to an unprecedented spike in egg prices. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average price of a dozen eggs has surged by 50% over the past year, significantly impacting both consumers and restaurants. The Waffle House franchise stated that the surcharge was considered a temporary targeted measure in response to the elevated prices, emphasizing that they would monitor market conditions and adjust or remove the surcharge when circumstances permit. As stated by Waffle House Inc., they are aware that consumers and dining establishments are grappling with difficult choices in light of the increasing food prices. Economists have pointed to the bird flu outbreak as the primary factor for the recent price hikes, in conjunction with the heightened demand for eggs typically observed during the winter holiday season. This situation has further complicated the food industry’s recovery and the need for identifying bird flu cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged labs to expedite the testing of flu samples to differentiate between seasonal influenza and the bird flu virus within a 24-hour timeframe after hospital admission. Further complicating the environment for food service businesses like Waffle House is the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the duration of the egg shortage caused by the bird flu. The company expressed hope that the fluctuations in pricing would be short-lived but acknowledged the unpredictable nature of agricultural supply issues. The public announcement of the surcharge serves as a reflection of the broader economic challenges facing restaurants amidst a significant public health crisis impacting livestock farming and food production.