The other day, my friend hatched an idea to build a chicken coop in his backyard due to the worsening egg scarcity. Like me, he had grown weary of ceaselessly searching local stores for eggs, only to find that they were frequently out of stock. Last month, I visited Costco, a mecca for bulk shopping, and discovered that they had run out of eggs entirely. The same issue arose at Whole Foods, where not only the egg cooler but numerous other shelves were barren. It appears he may have been right.
The egg shortage that has been sweeping the nation in recent months is far from an isolated incident, and it extends beyond merely inconveniencing passionate bakers and breakfast aficionados. Upon further investigation, I learned that the egg shortage is merely one example of a larger trend, a microcosm of more extensive issues.
Despite chickens being the most populous bird globally, we are facing an egg shortage. Why, then, is this happening to the unassuming egg, which we often take for granted each morning and utilize in innumerable recipes worldwide? Several factors contribute to this. Primarily, an outbreak of avian flu in multiple countries has resulted in the culling of millions of chickens, meaning fewer birds are available to lay eggs.
High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has led to the destruction of 58 million chickens in the last year alone. In 2015, an outbreak of avian influenza in the United States resulted in the culling of over 50 million chickens and turkeys. If even one bird contracts the flu, all surrounding birds are euthanized, potentially impacting thousands or even millions.
But that’s not all. Even without avian flu, egg production still faces challenges. Many farmers struggle to maintain their chickens’ previous egg-laying rates. Some farmers have found that the quality of chicken feed plays a role. Altering the birds’ diet or allowing them to forage has helped increase egg production. The adage “you are what you eat” applies to both humans and animals raised for food.
The chicken farming industry, hidden behind appealing packages of boneless breasts and crispy wings, is intricate and contentious, involving millions of birds, workers, and resources. Logistical challenges plague businesses globally, and the egg industry is no exception. The egg supply chain typically involves several steps: producing feed for the chickens, raising the chickens, collecting the eggs, processing and packaging the eggs, and distributing the eggs to retailers and consumers. Each step in the process can be affected by supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, transportation and logistics disruptions have also contributed to the egg shortage.
One of the lesser-known risks is the occurrence of fires. When a fire breaks out, the consequences can be devastating, killing or injuring thousands of chickens and destroying buildings and equipment. Recently, even large chicken farms like Tyson have experienced fires, and a massive fire at a top egg farm in Connecticut left approximately 100,000 hens dead.
Conversely, recent news reports reveal that some U.S. chicken producers are facing a surplus of over 400 million eggs. However, a rule enacted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009 prevents these particular chicken producers from selling their excess eggs. The rule mandates that chicken producers refrigerate eggs within 36 hours of laying to reduce the risk of salmonella contamination. While the FDA’s concerns about food safety are valid, chicken producers argue that their eggs remain safe to eat, even if not immediately refrigerated.
Eggs are a staple ingredient in countless dishes, and it’s easy to take them for granted. But imagine a world without eggs—a world where you can’t make your favorite dishes, like the Moist Orange Paleo Cake, which features real oranges, almond flour, and, of course, plenty of eggs! Without eggs, the cake would be dry and crumbly, lacking the moist texture and flavor that we all adore. And what about my Mom’s Old World Meatloaf that has been passed down through the generations? This classic dish requires eggs to bind it together and provide the tender texture we all crave. Without eggs, the meatloaf would fall apart and lose its signature flavor.
Eggs aren’t just vital in meat dishes—they’re also crucial in non-meat dishes, like the no-meat mock chopped liver that vanishes the moment I serve it.This dish is made with hard-boiled eggs and other delectable ingredients, creating a final result that imitates the real thing and is beyond scrumptious for a snack or even an entire meal! Without eggs, this dish would lack the depth of flavor and richness that make it so special.
So the next time you crack open an egg, pause for a moment to appreciate its versatility and significance in numerous dishes—from desserts to main courses to side dishes and, of course, our cherished breakfasts. Without eggs, we realize just how indispensable they are to our foodways and culinary traditions.
What does this shortage mean for us as consumers when it comes to egg availability? Primarily, we may need to brace ourselves for higher egg prices or even difficulty obtaining them. The chickens are coming
home to roost. Constructing a personal chicken coop, like my friend has done, could be a good idea, but for many of us, it’s not a realistic option. As the saying goes, “don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched.” We are discovering that we can no longer take our food system for granted in the same way we once did. Ultimately, the egg shortage serves as a reminder of the intricate web of factors that impact our food system, prompting us to reflect on the delicacy of our culinary traditions and the importance of sustainable food practices.
In honor of the beloved egg, I now present three very different food ideas that just can’t exist without eggs. How grateful the culinary world is for their eggs.
