The ongoing Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, outbreak continues to significantly impact the United States. Millions of egg-laying hens have been euthanized due to the virus, compounding the effects of inflation and leading to a sharp decline in egg production and a dramatic surge in wholesale egg prices. According to commodity data firm Expana, Midwest wholesale prices for large eggs reached $5.57 per dozen in December, a staggering 150% increase from the previous year. California experienced even higher prices, with a record high of $8.85 per dozen.
This widespread loss of chickens has resulted in empty shelves in many grocery stores across the country.
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Despite the outbreak’s severity, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains that the food supply remains safe. The agency emphasizes that multiple studies conducted by the Food Safety and Inspection Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and Agricultural Research Service confirm that properly prepared and cooked poultry and eggs are safe for consumption. The CDC recommends cooking poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F to eliminate bacteria and viruses. Dr. Joseph Khabbaza, a specialist in Critical Care and Pulmonology at the Cleveland Clinic, reinforces this advice, stating that cooking eggs eliminates any potential risk.
Egg Alternatives Amidst Rising Prices
For those facing difficulties finding or affording eggs, several alternatives are available.
Tofu is a versatile substitute, with ¼ cup of tofu equivalent to one egg. Firm or extra-firm tofu works well in dishes like scrambled eggs or as a hard-boiled egg replacement, while silken tofu, with its similar consistency and mild flavor, is suitable for baking.
Aquafaba, the liquid from canned or cooked chickpeas, is another excellent plant-based egg replacement for baking. Three tablespoons of aquafaba equal one egg.
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Applesauce and mashed bananas are affordable and effective egg substitutes. A quarter cup of applesauce or half a mashed banana can replace one egg.
Ground flaxseeds or chia seeds mixed with water (1 tablespoon of seeds to 3 tablespoons of water) can also be used as an egg replacement in baking.
The Uncertain Future of Egg Prices and Bird Flu
The timeline for egg price stabilization remains uncertain, potentially extending beyond 2025, depending on the recovery of healthy egg-laying hen populations. The USDA is investing in research for poultry vaccines to combat bird flu. However, widespread vaccination of commercial poultry faces significant challenges and is not a short-term solution, according to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.
While the World Health Organization has not declared the bird flu outbreak a global health emergency, the situation warrants attention. Dr. Khabbaza emphasizes that the current bird flu situation differs significantly from the COVID-19 pandemic due to the lack of human-to-human transmission. The risk of human infection is minimal, primarily affecting individuals with close contact with poultry or wild birds. For the general population, there is no need for widespread concern.
