Egg Shortage: Trader Joe’s and Smith’s Restrict Daily Purchases

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Trader Joe’s has announced a nationwide limit on egg purchases, allowing customers to buy only one dozen per day. The grocery chain attributes the restriction to ongoing supply issues.

In a statement to ABC, Trader Joe’s explained that the measure is intended to ensure more customers have access to eggs when they visit stores.

“We are implementing this limit in response to ongoing supply constraints,” the company stated. “Our goal is to help as many shoppers as possible secure the eggs they need.”

Other Retailers Implement Restrictions

Trader Joe’s is not alone in setting limits. Several other grocery chains, including Costco, Smith’s, and Sprouts, have also placed restrictions on egg purchases.

Costco issued an online notice warning customers that eggs might not always be available for delivery due to supply chain disruptions. Meanwhile, Sprouts has restricted online orders to a maximum of four cartons, and Smith’s allows customers to buy up to two dozen eggs at a time. Currently, Walmart and Target have not imposed any purchasing limits.

Bird Flu Outbreak Behind the Shortages

The ongoing egg shortage is linked to a widespread avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak that first emerged in 2022. According to the Associated Press, poultry farms infected with the virus are required to cull entire flocks to prevent further spread.

As of January 2025, at least 145 million birds have been culled, including those from large-scale egg farms housing over a million chickens each. This has significantly disrupted egg production, contributing to shortages and rising prices.

Bird Flu Risks and Precautions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that while bird flu primarily spreads among birds, recent cases have been detected in dairy cows and humans. Since the start of the outbreak, at least 68 human infections have been confirmed, with one fatality.

Most human cases have resulted in mild symptoms, including fever, cough, and muscle aches. However, severe cases can lead to respiratory distress, seizures, and organ failure.

People who work closely with animals face the highest risk, but the virus can also spread through consuming undercooked poultry, raw eggs, or unpasteurized milk. Health officials recommend getting a flu shot, avoiding contact with sick animals, and consuming only pasteurized dairy products.

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