Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs
New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a stern warning to businesses against price gouging on eggs and poultry amid a nationwide bird flu outbreak that has significantly disrupted supply chains and driven prices to record highs.
The avian influenza, which has been impacting poultry farms across the United States since 2022, has led to the culling of millions of birds to contain the virus, thereby reducing egg production and availability.
As of December 2024, the national average price for a dozen eggs reached $4.15, approaching the previous record of $4.82 set two years prior.
The US Department of Agriculture forecasts an additional 20% increase in egg prices in 2025, exacerbating concerns among consumers and regulators alike.
At New York City grocery stores, the price for a dozen organic, free-range eggs can frequently reach $10.
In response to these escalating prices, James emphasized the critical role of eggs in the daily diets of New Yorkers and underscored the legal prohibitions against exploitative pricing practices.
“Eggs are an essential grocery staple in households across the state, and New Yorkers should not pay ludicrous amounts just to feed their families,” James said in a statement.
She acknowledged the challenges posed by the bird flu on poultry farms but insisted that it “should not be an excuse for businesses to dramatically raise prices.”
Her office is actively monitoring the situation and urges residents to report any instances of excessive pricing.
Under New York’s General Business Law, price gouging is the sale of essential goods or services at unconscionably excessive prices during abnormal market disruptions, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies.
Violators can face penalties of up to $25,000 per incident. The law applies to all levels of the supply chain, including manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers.
In 2021, James’ office secured a settlement with Hillandale Farms Corporation, one of the nation’s largest egg producers and wholesalers, for illegally inflating egg prices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The settlement resulted in the distribution of 1.2 million eggs to New Yorkers in need.
The current bird flu outbreak, identified as the H5N1 strain, has been particularly virulent, leading to the loss of nearly 13 million birds in recent months.
This has not only strained the egg supply but also raised concerns about potential human transmission, especially following the first reported human death in Louisiana.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are collaborating to monitor and contain the virus.
Their efforts include implementing biosafety standards, conducting surveillance programs and increasing testing to mitigate the spread.
Consumers have reported significant price increases, with some areas experiencing prices as high as $7.09 per dozen in January 2025 nationally.
Since the start of the calendar year, egg prices have increased by $1.28 per dozen, or 22.03, according to Trading Economics, which cites data from the USDA.
In response, certain retailers have implemented purchase limits to manage the limited supply and prevent hoarding.
James encouraged consumers to remain vigilant and report any suspected instances of price gouging.
Complaints can be filed online through the Attorney General’s website or by calling the office’s hotline at 800-771-7755.
