General inflation and a deadly outbreak of bird flu are the official causes of the price rise.

Smuggling from Mexico is increasing.

Photo: The Western

Egg prices in the US rose 60% in 2022, according to data from the country's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

This is one of the largest percentage increases in goods or services in the North American nation.

General inflation and a deadly outbreak of bird flu are the official causes of the price rise.

Specifically, approximately 58 million birds have already contracted bird flu in the US, reports The Wall Street Journal, citing the country's Department of Agriculture.

Those that are infected must be culled, which decreases the supply of eggs.

Meanwhile, there are already groups of activists and politicians calling for an investigation of the industry.

This Tuesday, Democratic Senator Jack Reed urged the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether producers have manipulated prices, collects AP.

Farmer advocacy group Farm Action also filed the same request.

With the cost of products, more and more Americans are choosing to raise chickens in their backyards.

"I'm glad we have enough eggs even in winter," said Brian Kunkovksi, a chicken owner.

He also added that every time he walks past the egg aisle at the supermarket, he thinks "thank God" he doesn't have to "pay $6 for a dozen."

For his part, Charlie Pendorf, owner of the Hydrofarm farm, revealed that only a year ago he had a hard time selling his product due to the high price compared to supermarkets, but now the eggs are running out quickly.

At the same time, attempts to smuggle eggs from Mexico have grown, since in the Latin American country they are much cheaper.

Despite the fact that it is prohibited to bring this product to the US from Mexico, many people opt for this variant.

Rick Pauza, a customs officer, reported that from November 2021 to January 2022, they intercepted 80 egg smuggling attempts, while from November 2022 to January 2023, more than 330 interceptions were recorded.

(Taken from Russia Today)