New York AG James Urges Consumers To Report Egg Price Gouging

NEW YORK — New York Attorney General James is warning businesses against price gouging of eggs and poultry amid a growing bird flu outbreak.

James has issued an alert warning businesses against price gouging of eggs and poultry as the national bird flu outbreak affects production. The bird flu has affected poultry and dairy farms across the country, causing shortages and driving up prices. New York's price gouging statute prevents businesses from taking advantage of consumers by selling essential goods or services at an excessively higher price during market disruptions resulting from emergencies like the bird flu outbreak, according to the AG.

James is urging New Yorkers who see significantly increased prices on eggs or poultry to report the issue to her office.

"Eggs are an essential grocery staple in households across the state, and New Yorkers should not pay ludicrous amounts just to feed their families," James said. "The bird flu is affecting poultry farms and causing a national shortage, but this should not be an excuse for businesses to dramatically raise prices. My office is monitoring the situation, and I am urging New Yorkers to report excessive prices to my office."

In 2021, Attorney General James reached a settlement with one of the country’s largest producers and wholesalers of eggs, Hillandale Farms Corporation, for illegally price gouging eggs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The price gouging statute covers New York vendors, retailers, and suppliers, and includes essential goods and services that are necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of consumers or the general public. These goods and services include food, water, medicine, gasoline, generators, batteries, flashlights, hotel lodging, and transportation.

James said that when reporting price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), consumers should report the specific increased prices, dates, and places that they saw the increased prices; and, provide copies of their sales receipts and photos of the advertised prices, if available.

Price gouging violations can carry penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. New Yorkers should report potential concerns about price gouging to the OAG by filing a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755.