The impact of the worst avian flu outbreak in a decade has reached breakfast tables, with Waffle House implementing a temporary 50-cent surcharge per egg.
The restaurant chain, renowned for its affordable meals, cited the dramatic increase in egg prices as the reason for the additional cost.
The widespread culling of millions of chickens monthly due to the bird flu has more than doubled egg prices since summer 2023. This surge shows no signs of abating, even with the approach of Easter, typically a period of high egg consumption.
While the national average price per dozen reached hit $4.15 in December. That’s not quite as high as the $4.82 record set two years ago the US Department of Agriculture forecasts a further 20 per cent increase in egg prices this year.
The surcharge, effective this week across all Waffle House menus, adds to the cost of the chain's popular breakfast combinations. For example, the two-egg breakfast, served with toast and a side, was listed at \$7.75 on Tuesday, now costing an additional dollar with the surcharge.
The Waffle House, well known as a place to get a cheap breakfast, said that its egg surcharge became effective this week and that it applies to all of its menus. The restaurant's two-egg breakfast, which comes with toast and a side, was listed at $7.75 on Tuesday.
“While we hope these price fluctuations will be short-lived we cannot predict how long this shortage will last,” the company said.
The restaurant continues to monitor egg prices and said that it will adjust or remove the surcharge as market conditions allow.
Last month the first U.S. human fatality linked bird flu was reported in Louisiana. There have been 67 confirmed bird flu infections of humans in the U.S. since 2024, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The H5N1 bird flu has been spreading widely among wild birds, poultry, cows and other animals. Its growing presence in the environment increases the chances that people will be exposed, and potentially catch it, officials have said, though it remains rare.
Health officials urge anyone who has contact with sick or dead birds to take precautions, including respiratory and eye protection and gloves when handling poultry.
