Authorities in Pennsylvania are investigating the theft of more than 100,000 eggs—valued at approximately $40,000 (£32,000)—from a grocer’s supply.
The eggs were stolen from the back of a lorry at Pete & Gerry’s Organics in Greencastle on 1 February, police reported.
The incident comes at a time when egg prices in the U.S. have surged due to an ongoing bird flu epidemic, making them an increasingly expensive commodity.
According to U.S. government data, egg prices have climbed more than 65% in the past year, with the Department of Agriculture forecasting another 20% increase in 2025.
Amid these rising costs, national diner chain Waffle House recently announced a $0.50 per egg surcharge.
The restaurant described it as a “temporary targeted surcharge tied to the unprecedented rise in egg prices.”
The bird flu outbreak, which began in 2022, has continued to spread, affecting birds, cattle, and even some mammals across the country, though human infections remain rare.
The Department of Agriculture reported that prices soared more than 8% in December alone, with the average cost of a carton rising from $2.51 in December 2023 to $4.15 a year later.
This price hike has led to supply shortages in some stores, with reports of empty shelves. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the large-scale egg heist.
Source-BBC
