Nearly 20 million eggs were recalled in July over salmonella concerns. The new classification signals a “reasonable probability” of “serious adverse health consequences or death.”
The birds are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures, and France’s torrid June took a heavy toll.
'It's too many chickens'
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is cracking down on food labels, requiring companies that designate “Product of USA” to prove it — meaning meat, poultry or egg products must be born, raised, harvested and processed in the United States. NewsNation’s Brooke Shafer joins “Morning in America” with a closer look at how ranchers are reacting. Start your day with "Morning in America," NewsNation's live three-hour national morning newscast hosted by Markie Martin. Weekdays starting at 6a/5C. #MorningInAmerica NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans.
A year ago, eggs were scarce and prices were sky-high. But avian flu took a much smaller toll on America's egg-laying chickens this winter than last, and egg prices have tumbled 42%.
The once-humble plate of poultry has been elevated to luxury status, with prices hitting $50 or more.