March 26, 2025

 

US moves to expand egg supply amid bird flu impact

The US has significantly increased imports of Brazilian eggs, previously restricted to pet food use, and is considering regulatory changes that would allow eggs from broiler chickens to be used in processed foods.

 

These measures are part of the Trump administration's efforts to address rising egg prices, which have been driven up by bird flu outbreaks.

 

While neither the Brazilian eggs nor the broiler chicken eggs would be sold directly to consumers, they could be used in processed food items such as cake mixes, ice cream and salad dressing.

 

The potential approval of broiler chicken eggs for human consumption would require a regulatory change. Some food safety experts have raised concerns that this could introduce harmful bacteria into the food supply.

 

The nationwide impact of bird flu has been severe, with nearly 170 million chickens, turkeys and other birds lost since early 2022. Consumers have faced higher prices, restaurants have adjusted their menus, and wholesale egg prices rose by 53.6% in February before easing slightly in March.

 

The egg shortage has contributed to food inflation while ongoing trade disputes have further complicated supply chains, affecting the cost of fresh produce and other goods.

In February, the Trump administration introduced a US$1 billion plan aimed at reducing egg prices. This initiative includes measures to help farmers control the spread of the virus and explore vaccine options. The administration has also been working to increase egg imports from countries such as Turkey, Brazil and South Korea, and has requested additional shipments from Europe.

 

Brazilian egg imports into the US rose by 93% in February compared to the previous year, according to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association.

 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently reviewing a petition from the National Chicken Council that seeks approval for eggs laid by broiler chickens to be sold for human consumption. These eggs, produced by chickens raised for meat rather than egg production, are typically discarded due to refrigeration requirements.

 

Under existing regulations, broiler chicken producers must refrigerate eggs at 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) within 36 hours of being laid. Most broiler chicken operations store eggs at around 65 degrees and do not have the infrastructure to meet the FDA's refrigeration standards.

 

In 2023, the FDA denied a similar request, citing concerns about salmonella contamination. However, industry representatives argue that pasteurization ensures the eggs' safety and that previous use of such eggs in processed foods had not led to public health concerns.

 

Proponents of regulatory changes argue that allowing these eggs to be used in processed foods would help stabilise supply and lower costs. Representative Dusty Johnson of South Dakota, who is co-sponsoring a bill to allow the use of broiler eggs in food products, said, "We need more yolks for folks."

 

Food safety experts have expressed concerns that inadequate refrigeration could allow bacteria to multiply to levels where pasteurization is not fully effective. Susan Mayne, former director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, warned that increasing the availability of these eggs could raise the risk of foodborne illness.

 

In January, the Trump administration approved the import of Brazilian eggs for processing into food products. Previously, these eggs had only been permitted for pet food. The Brazilian Animal Protein Association has stated that Brazil meets U.S. food safety standards for egg exports.

 

However, Brazil has been affected by Newcastle disease, a poultry virus, which prevents it from exporting eggs for grocery sales or pasteurized liquid eggs for human consumption. The US Department of Agriculture has stated that strict controls remain in place to ensure food safety.

 

Some states have reconsidered animal welfare laws that mandate cage-free eggs in response to high prices and supply shortages. Nevada temporarily suspended its 2021 requirement that all eggs sold in the state come from cage-free hens. In Arizona, lawmakers are considering repealing a similar rule that had already been delayed due to bird flu outbreaks.

 

Patrick Bray, executive vice president of the Arizona Farm and Ranch Group, noted that consumer priorities have shifted amid supply disruptions. "A few years ago, the consumer was demanding a cage-free product," he said. "Now, the consumers' eyes have been opened up a little bit as we've lost hundreds of millions of birds and egg prices are through the roof."

 

- Reuters