ExclusiveUS Turns to Brazil for Eggs During Bird Flu Outbreak

U.S. imports of Brazilian eggs, once only used for pet food, almost doubled in February. It's part of President Donald Trump's effort to bring down egg prices, which have spiked because of bird flu. The Trump administration is also considering relaxing regulations for eggs laid by chickens raised for meat. While none of these eggs would wind up on grocery shelves, they could be used in processed foods such as cake mixes, ice cream, or salad dressing. And some food safety experts warn that changing regulations could risk tainting these food products with harmful bacteria. Bird flu has wiped out nearly 170 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds since 2022. That led to a more than 50 percent surge in wholesale egg prices in February, though they've eased a bit in March. Last month, the administration announced a $1 billion plan to lower egg prices, which includes helping farmers prevent the spread of the virus and researching vaccine options. Apart from Brazil, the Trump administration is also promoting imports from Turkey and South Korea, countries that typically send few eggs to the U.S. Meanwhile, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing a petition from the National Chicken Council to allow the sale of eggs laid by chickens raised only for meat. The council, which is made up of chicken producers, made a similar request in 2023, but the FDA rejected it, citing salmonella risk. A senior member of the council said the chicken industry hopes the FDA will now support the effort as it aligns with Trump's goal of slashing regulations.