"Concerns Over AI Spread"... Large Supermarkets Limit Egg Purchases to 'One Carton Per Person'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Amid the surge in egg prices due to the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI), major large supermarkets have started limiting the quantity of eggs sold to prevent hoarding. Some convenience stores have also reduced their egg order volumes.

According to the distribution industry on the 22nd, Emart and Emart Traders have limited consumers to purchasing only one carton of 30 eggs per person since the 15th. However, there are no purchase quantity restrictions on products containing 10 or 15 eggs.

Costco has also limited members to buying only one carton of 30 eggs each since last week.

Lotte Mart restricts purchases to three cartons per person regardless of the number of eggs, while Homeplus limits it to one carton per person.

A representative from a large supermarket explained, "Currently, there is no shortage of egg supply in the country," adding, "This measure is to prevent hoarding and allow more consumers to purchase eggs."

GS25, a convenience store operated by GS Retail, temporarily suspended orders for 9 out of 10 egg products nationwide except in the Jeju region starting the day before. Since the 'Fresh Lab Grade 1 Eggs 10-pack' product accounts for more than 80% of total orders and is still being sold, there is little impact, and there are no separate purchase quantity limits per person.

A GS Retail representative said, "We unified egg operations to stabilize supply by changing the maximum order quantity per store," adding, "You can also get a 20% discount if you apply agricultural and livestock product consumption coupons."

According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT), the retail price of one carton of eggs (30 eggs) on this day was 6,610 won, about 25% higher than the same period last year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.