Egg producers blame the ongoing bird flu outbreak for driving prices up to record highs. But some believe giant companies are taking advantage of their market dominance to profit handsomely at the expense of egg buyers.

Summary

Egg producers blame the bird flu outbreak for record-high prices, but critics argue dominant companies are exploiting supply shortages to boost profits.

With over 166 million birds culled and egg layers significantly reduced, prices surged from under $2 to nearly $5 per dozen.

Egg supply is down only 4% from last year, yet profits have surged. Cal-Maine Foods, supplying 20% of U.S. eggs, reported a $219 million profit in the last quarter, compared to just $1.2 million before the outbreak, a 18,150% increase.

Lawmakers and advocacy groups are calling for a government investigation into potential monopolistic practices.

  • YarHarSuperstar@lemmy.worldEnglish
    61·
    3 days ago

    I don’t know if you realize this but when you say “you’re being picky” about food in contexts such as this it can be considered ableist, and also dismissive and inconsiderate in my opinion. I prefer oatmeal to eggs but if someone told me I was “being picky” because of a choice I made because of price, sensory experience, and energy cost, I would be offended. I wouldn’t say this every time the word is used but the context and your username make me think it is appropriate and you might be receptive to the feedback.

    • queermunist she/her@lemmy.ml
      21·
      20 hours ago

      I mentioned “picky eaters” because I used to consider myself one, but that was before I was medicated for my anxiety. Now that I think about it I myself had a lot of AFRID symptoms as a child and still experience some anxiety if certain foods touch on my plate or if I bite something and experience the “wrong” texture, but since being medicated my palette of acceptable foods has expanded a lot? I guess I never really made the connection to that maybe being connected to neurodivergence.

      I guess I had blinders on about this. Thanks for pointing this out.

      And I think my nephew is the same way and I’m going to stop teasing him about it. It’s not okay even if I was the same.

      • YarHarSuperstar@lemmy.worldEnglish
        2·
        19 hours ago

        I feel very heard and understood from reading this response. I’m glad it was received how I intended it to be. My first reaction was to be a bit harsher and speak from an emotional place nd I’m glad I thought twice and wrote a comment that was more accurate and effective. It means a lot that you took what I said seriously and even had some self reflection that may make a difference in another’s life. Thank you.