New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a warning to businesses on Wednesday, urging them to refrain from price gouging on eggs and poultry as the country faces a widespread bird flu outbreak.
The bird flu has caused the culling of millions of chickens each month, leading to a sharp rise in egg prices, which have more than doubled since the summer of 2023. With Easter nearing, prices are expected to climb even further.
In December, the average cost for a dozen eggs reached $4.15, just short of the $4.82 record set two years ago. The U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts that prices will rise another 20% this year.
New York’s price gouging statute forbids businesses from raising prices excessively on necessary items, such as food, during times of emergency.
“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 stated. “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 consumers are already seeing prices that exceed the national average by more than double, or are finding grocery store shelves completely empty. Organic and cage-free eggs are seeing even steeper price hikes.
In 2021, James successfully reached a settlement with Hillandale Farms Corporation after it was found guilty of price gouging on eggs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who violate New York’s price gouging laws could face fines of up to $25,000 per offense.
New Yorkers can report suspected price gouging by submitting a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.
{Matzav.com}
Da sistuh be barkin up the wrong tree.
You can add shmura hand matzah and esrogim in that mix. Apparently the halachos of Choshen Mishpat don’t apply to those גנבים.
Apparently you have no idea the cost of the product. Are you willing to roll out matzah for minimum wage? How about stand at an oven with temperature over 1000 degrees all day for minimum wage? I didn’t think so. How about be the mashgiach while cutting the wheat etc. for minimum wage? Also not. They are all trying to make a living and won’t do it for free. If you think you can make matzah for $10 a pound, please be our guest and open a Matza bakery. You’ll be extremely busy as everyone will come to buy by you. You can start today, and won’t have a minute off until Pesach. Accept for from a few minutes before Shkiah on Friday until a few minutes after the Z’man on Saturday Night.
Why are they גנבים please clarify
None of the vendors you mentioned sell products with eggs
I switched to liquid eggs/whites
Cheaper and gooder for yous.
The CDC, FDA, HHS and NIH have all been told to pause external communications, including publishing scientific reports, updating websites or issuing health advisories. So they gave their manmade rubbish over to the Attorney General.
A few weeks ago they arrested an FDA official who had vials of Bird Flu in his fridge to be released and bring about a pandemic.
I, Letita James, do solemnly affirm my legal duty to go after and prosecute those bad white boys selling eggs. Flu or no flu, government orders by Democratic golems not withstanding, my socialist beliefs put a cap on egg prices. Momma needs her breakfast and cakes.
Imagine a world without eggs?
I think about that every day and wonder how I would feel when it comes.