Costco, Trader Joe’s place egg purchase limits

Wholesalers and retailers around the country, including Costco and Trader Joe’s, are limiting the number of eggs each customer can buy as the avian flu continues to cause shortages.

Shoppers are documenting the crisis by posting images and videos online showing empty egg shelves and limit notices.

According to consumer insights firm Numerator, shortages are more severe in Western US cities, affecting stores such as BJ’s, Target, and Publix.

Prices of eggs have also shot up, with the average cost of a dozen at $5.29 in late January, up from about $3.50 around the same time last year, per NIQ consumer research group.

However, several consumer posts on social media show prices as much as $10 per carton in some states.

The “eggflation” is worsened by the resurgence of the H5N1 bird flu, which has caused the deaths of over 13 million hens since December, according to the USDA.