100,000 eggs stolen from a US grocer amid rising prices due to bird flu.

Thieves in Pennsylvania stole over 100,000 eggs worth $40,000 from a grocer’s truck amid soaring egg prices driven by the ongoing bird flu epidemic. The outbreak, which began in 2022, has led to price surges, with eggs increasing over 65% in the past year. Waffle House recently added a $0.50 surcharge per egg due to rising costs. The USDA predicts a further 20% increase in 2025, with recent shortages reported in some stores.

This incident highlights the intersection of crime, economic pressures, and the ongoing bird flu epidemic, which has severely impacted the egg industry in the United States.

1. The Theft Incident

Thieves in Pennsylvania stole over 100,000 eggs, valued at $40,000, from a grocer’s truck at Pete & Gerry’s Organics in Greencastle on February 1, 2024. This type of crime suggests that eggs have become a high-value commodity due to ongoing shortages and price hikes. The theft likely required a well-coordinated effort, as moving such a large quantity of eggs without breaking them would require careful planning, possibly even inside information.

2. The Economic Impact of Bird Flu on Egg Prices

The price of eggs has surged more than 65% over the past year due to the bird flu epidemic. According to U.S. government data, the average price of a dozen eggs rose from $2.51 in December 2023 to $4.15 in December 2024. This steep rise is caused by supply chain disruptions due to mass culling of infected birds, which reduces egg production and leads to shortages in grocery stores.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicts that egg prices will increase by another 20% in 2025, suggesting that the current crisis is far from over.

3. Waffle House’s Response & Surcharges

The fast-food chain Waffle House has introduced a $0.50 per egg surcharge due to the rising cost of eggs. The company stated that this is a “temporary targeted surcharge” in response to unprecedented price hikes. This decision reflects how businesses that rely heavily on eggs, such as diners and bakeries, are struggling to maintain profitability.

4. The Ongoing Bird Flu Epidemic

The bird flu outbreak began in 2022 and has continued to spread across the U.S., affecting birds, cattle, and even some mammals. Though human infections are very rare, the virus has caused major disruptions in the poultry and dairy industries. In December 2024 alone, egg prices increased by 8%, highlighting the worsening impact of the epidemic.

5. Grocery Store Shortages & Public Reaction

The price surge has led to bare shelves in some grocery stores, as demand for eggs remains high while supply dwindles. Consumers and businesses alike are feeling the strain, with some resorting to alternatives or cutting back on egg-related products.

6. Why Egg Theft is Rising

As egg prices soar, large-scale thefts like this one become more lucrative. Criminals may be selling stolen eggs to smaller retailers, restaurants, or even on the black market. This is not the first case of food theft linked to inflation—similar crimes have been reported for meat, dairy, and other high-value food items in recent years.

Conclusion

The theft of 100,000 eggs in Pennsylvania is more than just a crime—it’s a reflection of a larger economic and agricultural crisis. The ongoing bird flu epidemic, rising production costs, and market instability have turned eggs into a high-value commodity, leading to price surges, restaurant surcharges, and even criminal activity. With prices expected to rise another 20% in 2025, egg shortages and thefts may continue unless the epidemic is brought under control.

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