WASHINGTON, D.C.: In response to soaring egg prices and supply shortages driven by a devastating bird flu outbreak, the United States is ramping up egg imports from Brazil and weighing regulatory changes to expand domestic supply.

The U.S. has nearly doubled its imports of Brazilian eggs—once restricted to pet food use—and is considering a proposal to allow eggs laid by broiler chickens (raised for meat) to be used in processed foods. These eggs wouldn't go directly to grocery shelves but could help offset shortages by supplying products like cake mixes, dressings, and ice cream.

"Nationwide economic strain persists from the virus that has wiped out nearly 170 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds since early 2022," Reuters reported. Egg prices jumped 53.6 percent in February before slightly easing in March, while restaurant menus and grocery aisles reflect the crunch.

To combat the crisis, President Donald Trump's administration unveiled a $1 billion plan in February focused on containment, vaccine development, and increasing imports from countries like Brazil, Turkey, and South Korea.

The U.S. has also appealed to Europe for more supply. In February, egg imports from Brazil rose 93 percent from a year earlier, according to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association.

The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing a request from the National Chicken Council to allow eggs from broiler chickens into the human food supply. "We need more yolks for folks," said Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-South Dakota, who supports legislation to allow these eggs to be used in processed products.

Historically, millions of broiler eggs are discarded due to a 2009 FDA rule requiring refrigeration within 36 hours of being laid. Broiler producers, who store eggs at 65°F to hatch chicks, say they lack the infrastructure to comply. "Wayne-Sanderson Farms probably throws away about 500,000 eggs per week," said Mark Burleson, its senior vet director.

The council argues that pasteurization makes the eggs safe. However, some experts, including former FDA official Susan Mayne, warn that lack of refrigeration could allow pathogens to multiply, reducing the effectiveness of pasteurization.

Meanwhile, states like Nevada and Arizona have suspended or reconsidered cage-free mandates to ease supply pressure. "Now, the consumers' eyes have been opened up a little bit," said Arizona farm group leader Patrick Bray.