New York Attorney General Letitia James is cracking down on egg and poultry price gouging in the wake of a bird flu outbreak that's been ruffling feathers across the nation. With poultry and dairy farms getting hit hard, shortages have hatched, and prices are spiking. In a call to action, James is warning businesses that taking advantage of consumers during this time is not only unethical but illegal under the state's price gouging laws. Essential goods like eggs, which are a breakfast mainstay, shouldn't leave New Yorkers scrambling to afford them.
In her alert, Attorney General James made it clear that "Eggs are an essential grocery staple in households across the state, and New Yorkers should not to have pay ludicrous amounts just to feed their families." She underscored the illegality of businesses exploiting the emergency to raise prices dramatically. James also encouraged consumers to be vigilant and report any instances of excessive pricing they come across. The warning echoes the state's commitment to keep essential goods accessible during market disruptions, a sentiment shared in the press release published earlier today.
This isn't the first time James's office has cracked down on price jack-ups. Back in 2021, she secured a settlement against Hillandale Farms Corporation—one of the country's largest egg producers and wholesalers—for price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic. That victory resulted in a donation of 1.2 million eggs to New Yorkers in need, showcasing the tangible results of enforcing price gouging statutes.
Given the enduring impact of the bird flu on poultry production, the Attorney General's Office is now doubly watchful for businesses looking to unduly profit off of this shortage. New York law has zero tolerance for vendors, retailers, or suppliers who might try to take unfair advantage of consumers by pushing prices for necessities—like eggs—to sky-high levels. The list of necessities under this statute also includes food, water, medicine, and other essentials. Consumers feeling the pinch can formally report price gouging to the OAG, taking care to provide details such as dates, locations, and, if possible, photographic evidence. Each proven violation could lead to a $25,000 fine—no small change for businesses considering going down that road.
For New Yorkers noticing their grocery bills flying higher for eggs and poultry, the Attorney General's Office is the place to turn. To report suspected price gouging, New Yorkers can file a complaint online or ring up the OAG at 800-771-7755, making sure to offer as much evidence as they can gather. This measure is meant to ensure the state's consumers are not plucked clean during times of crisis.
