NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – New York Attorney General Letitia James warned businesses Wednesday against price gouging on eggs and poultry amid a national bird flu outbreak.
Bird flu has led to the slaughter of millions of chickens each month, causing U.S. egg prices to more than double since summer 2023. With Easter approaching, prices are expected to keep rising.
The national average price per dozen hit $4.15 in December just shy of the $4.82 record set two years ago. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts another 20% increase this year.
New York’s price gouging law prohibits businesses from significantly raising prices on essential goods or services, including food, during emergencies.
“Eggs are an essential grocery staple in households across the state, and New Yorkers should not pay ludicrous amounts just to feed their families,” James said. “The bird flu is affecting poultry farms and causing a national shortage, but this should not be an excuse for businesses to dramatically raise prices. My office is monitoring the situation, and I am urging New Yorkers to report excessive prices to my office.”
Some shoppers are already paying more than double the national average or facing empty grocery store shelves. Organic and cage-free eggs are even more expensive.
James previously secured a settlement with Hillandale Farms Corporation in 2021 for illegally price gouging eggs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Violators of New York’s price gouging law can face penalties of up to $25,000 per violation.
New Yorkers can report price gouging concerns by filing a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.