Instead of Easter Eggs, 'Gamja'... Unusual Scene in the US with Price Surge via AI

In the United States, egg prices have surged due to the avian influenza (AI) outbreak, leading to situations where potatoes are being used as substitutes for eggs in Easter events.

On the 9th (local time), the American online media Axios reported that as egg prices rise, more households are using potatoes as an alternative to Easter eggs. They are coloring potatoes just like eggs to create 'Easter potatoes.'

During Easter, the biggest Christian holiday, Christians share joy of resurrection by exchanging eggs that are colored or decorated with drawings. Also, during Passover, the most important Jewish holiday, there is a custom of eating boiled eggs, making eggs an indispensable element. The dates of these two holidays change every year, but they usually fall in March or April, which often leads to a significant increase in egg demand within the United States during this period.

However, due to the avian influenza outbreak continuing since last year, egg supply has decreased, increasing the burden on consumers. According to reports, the price of a dozen eggs in the U.S. rose from an average of about $2 (approximately 2,600 KRW) in February last year to about $4.2 (5,500 KRW) in February this year, more than doubling in one year. As a result, some households are coloring potatoes instead of expensive eggs.

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In the U.S., the current avian influenza outbreak has caused the death or culling of 58.8 million chickens across 47 states. The U.S. government is considering vaccinating poultry such as chickens, turkeys, and ducks, but the spread shows little sign of slowing down.

With egg supply shortages compounded by inflation, consumers have been seeking cheaper eggs. Some Dollar Tree stores, known as the U.S. equivalent of a "thousand won shop," have limited the number of eggs customers can purchase per person due to high demand. However, many of these stores have reportedly already run out of stock.

Nevertheless, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasted in a report released on the 7th that egg demand will gradually decrease after Easter, leading to a drop in egg prices.

The USDA stated, "(After Easter,) there are fewer opportunities to encourage consumers to purchase eggs," and predicted that "(egg prices after Easter) could fall to more consumer-friendly levels."

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