Soaring prices of egg prices prompt US farms to call for investigation

Prices of eggs in the United States have surged, and this is apparently one of the effects that American consumers have to face amid the tough inflation situation in the country. This past year, consumers around the world have been struggling to cope with the rising prices, and the U.S. is one of those nations severely impacted.

As per Fox Business, the Americans’ latest concern related to inflation is the price of eggs which has already reached high numbers. It was stated that the cost of eggs went up by 138% in December 2022 and now has a price tag of $4.25 per dozen. The price was based on the data gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With this situation, it was reported that a group of poultry farmers is calling for a probe. It is requesting the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to check the increase in signs of price gouging from leading egg companies.

A number of groups consisting of farmers, regulators, and business officials have already been already arguing about the power of top agriculture companies in driving and setting the prices of eggs for years. Recently, the Farm Action group sent a letter to FTC chairwoman Lina Khan to look into the issue.

In any case, CNN News reported with the high prices of eggs, there have been attempts to smuggle them from Mexico, and this was confirmed by US Customs officials. The surging prices are said to be driving a heightened increase in attempts to bring eggs to the U.S. from Mexico.

Gerrelaine Alcordo, customs and border protection public affairs specialist, told the publication via email that the rise in egg smuggling attempts is mainly due to the spiking cost of eggs in the country.

“Penalties can be higher for repeat offenders or commercial size imports,” Alcordo stated. “While many items may be permissible, it’s best to declare them to avoid possible fines and penalties if they are deemed prohibited. If they are declared and deemed prohibited, they can be abandoned without consequence and if they are undeclared and then discovered during an exam the traveler will be subject to penalties.”

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