Bird Flu impacts: Metro Detroit business feeling pains from the cost of eggs
Local perspective
For over a decade, April Anderson has poured love and affection into her products at Good Cakes and Bakes. But as the owner and pastry chef continues to build her brand, the rising price of eggs from Bird Flu is causing her to take a second look at her menu prices.
"So I had to come back and go into the computer and put that price in and make sure that those receipts the way that we were going make them were still profitable," she said.
Anderson got her eggs from a farm up north but when she realized that she needed some to get her to the next delivery.
She said she had to go to two different stores because she could not believe she had to spend over $100 on eggs.
Big picture view
Anderson has not yet raised prices but some chains like Waffle House is adding a 50-cent per egg surcharge to customers' orders as a way to handle the price increase.
Most business owners do not want to increase prices but it is very difficult not to.
It's a recipe for higher prices as egg prices continue going up
The American Egg Board released a statement which reads in part:
"Affordable food matters to everyone, and while farmers are doing everything they can to keep costs down, it's important to know that egg farmers are price takers, not price makers."
April says if she has to increase prices and her customers don't respond well to that increase. She can't cook up another solution.
"We'll probably end up making more vegan options where we don't have to use eggs," she said.
Dig deeper
HPAI is said to be a highly contagious virus that can be spread from flock to flock, including by wild birds, through contact with infected animals, by equipment, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the public health risk associated with avian influenza remains low.
The state's Department of Agriculture says bio-security measures and personal protective equipment can help protect the health of Michigan's domestic animals and the public.
No birds or bird products infected with HPAI will enter the commercial food chain. As a reminder, people should properly handle and cook all poultry and eggs.
Whether it's a few backyard birds or a large commercial flock, following a few key steps is fundamental to protect the health and vitality of Michigan's domestic birds:
What you can do
The state is advising residents about contact between domestic and wild birds by bringing them indoors or ensuring their outdoor area is fully enclosed.
Wash your hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops.
Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops.
Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.
Clean and disinfect equipment and other supplies between uses. If it cannot be disinfected, discard it.
Use well or municipal water as drinking water for birds.
Keep poultry feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.
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