US doubles Brazilian egg imports once used only for pet food; Trump now wants to relax the rules further

The U.S. has nearly doubled imports of Brazilian eggs—previously used only in pet food—and is considering relaxing regulations on eggs from chickens raised for meat. This move, driven by the Trump administration, aims to combat soaring egg prices fueled by bird flu outbreaks.

While neither Brazilian nor broiler chicken eggs will appear on grocery shelves, they could be used in processed foods like cake mixes and salad dressings, freeing up fresh eggs for consumers. However, regulatory changes are required, and food safety experts warn of potential contamination risks.

Bird Flu’s Impact on Supply & Prices

Since early 2022, bird flu has wiped out nearly 170 million poultry, leading to supply shortages, increased restaurant prices, and a 53.6% spike in wholesale egg costs in February. Although prices slightly eased in March, the crisis persists, exacerbating food inflation amid trade disruptions.

In response, the administration launched a $1 billion plan to stabilize egg prices by supporting farmers, exploring vaccine options, and increasing imports from Turkey, Brazil, and South Korea. U.S. egg imports from Brazil surged 93% in February compared to the previous year, according to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association.

Push for Broiler Chicken Eggs in Food Production
The FDA is reviewing a petition from the National Chicken Council to permit the use of eggs from broiler chickens—typically discarded due to insufficient refrigeration under current regulations. The council argues that pasteurization ensures safety, while critics warn that inadequate cooling could allow bacteria to thrive.

Every year, about 360 million broiler eggs go unused, with leading producers like Wayne-Sanderson Farms reportedly discarding 500,000 eggs weekly. Previously, such eggs were processed into food, but a 2009 FDA rule requiring refrigeration at 45°F within 36 hours made compliance difficult for broiler chicken farmers.

Supporters, including Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), advocate for regulatory changes, emphasizing the need to maximize available egg supplies. "We need more yolks for folks," Johnson said while co-sponsoring a bill to approve broiler eggs for food use.

Egg Imports & Laws Under Review
In January, the U.S. approved imports of Brazilian eggs for food processing. However, due to Newcastle disease risks, Brazil cannot supply eggs for grocery stores or liquid egg products for human consumption.

Meanwhile, states like Nevada and Arizona are reconsidering animal welfare laws that require eggs to come from cage-free hens. Nevada suspended its 2021 cage-free law in February, and Arizona lawmakers are debating a repeal.

"A few years ago, consumers demanded cage-free eggs," said Patrick Bray of the Arizona Farm and Ranch Group. "Now, with egg prices soaring and millions of birds lost, perspectives have shifted."

As the U.S. navigates its egg crisis, balancing affordability, safety, and industry regulations remains a pressing challenge.