The skyrocketing value of eggs has prompted an uptick in makes an attempt to smuggle them throughout the southern border.
There was a 29% enhance in shell eggs being confiscated at ports of entry between October 2024 and February in contrast with the identical time interval final yr, based on U.S. Customs and Border Safety (CBP), the Los Angeles Instances reported.
“It’s common practice to get some groceries or medication and cross the border,” Joaquin Luken, govt director of the Sensible Border Coalition, instructed NBC San Diego, and he mentioned individuals could not understand uncooked eggs are on the prohibited listing.
On Monday, CBP Director of Subject Operations Sidney Aki mentioned his workplace has seen a rise within the variety of eggs being intercepted at ports of entry.
“As a reminder, uncooked eggs are prohibited entry from Mexico into the U.S. Failure to declare agriculture items can result in penalties of up to $10,000,” he wrote on X.
Avian Influenza, or fowl flu, has brought about the worth of a dozen eggs to extend.
Amid an egg scarcity, Turkey has promised to step in and fill the void.
Ibrahim Afyon, chairman of the Egg Producers Central Union in Turkey, on Wednesday instructed Reuters {that a} complete of “15,000 tonnes (33 million pounds) of eggs — equivalent to 700 containers — will be shipped” to the U.S.
The cargo is a part of a preliminary settlement between Turkey and the U.S. that can proceed by July 2025.
“The export will take place through our member companies with the required authorizations, while two firms will coordinate the process,” Afyon mentioned.
