Is it true that a dozen costs $25? The egg prices are going crazy.

Since the beginning of 2025, the price of eggs has surged not only in Los Angeles but also in major cities across the United States, due to several factors, the most significant being the spread of avian influenza (AI). This highly contagious virus particularly affects birds, including chickens, and has been occurring on a large scale across the United States.

Chickens infected with avian influenza mostly suffer and die, and they cannot produce eggs, easily transmitting the virus to other chickens. The most effective way to prevent this is to cull the infected chickens on a large scale. This culling process has led to a sharp decrease in supply, ultimately causing the surge in egg prices.

As the supply of eggs has dwindled, prices have risen, and some local supermarkets have even imposed limits on egg purchases. In the past, egg prices would temporarily rise or fall, but the current situation has reached a serious level. In particular, the price of $25 for a dozen eggs sold in some stores is placing a significant burden on consumers.

On social media and in the news, consumers are expressing shock that eggs, which used to cost about $3 for a dozen, are now at least 2 to 4 times more expensive. Restaurants and bakeries that heavily use eggs are facing significant impacts. For example, Korean restaurants are no longer offering dishes like steamed eggs or rolled eggs for free and are now charging for them, while typical American restaurants also use eggs in various menu items like breakfast, pancakes, and French toast, leading to a substantial increase in operating costs.

Experts warn that the current rise in egg prices is not a temporary phenomenon. The supply shortage is likely to continue for some time, and as a result, egg prices may rise further. This could place a significant burden on consumers who are already struggling with inflation, and a general increase in grocery prices is expected to persist.

In conclusion, avian influenza is a major cause of the rise in egg prices, significantly affecting both consumers and the food industry. As this situation is likely to continue, consumers and businesses sensitive to egg prices will need to prepare for it.