Talk about going to egg-stremes.
Border agents are seeing a sharp rise in the number of egg smuggling attempts by travelers coming from Mexico and Canada as prices in the US have surged to as high as $10 a carton.
US Customs and Border Protection reported a 36% increase in egg interceptions this fiscal year — with certain border regions in Texas experiencing a 54% spike, while cases in San Diego have more than doubled, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The troubling trend is driven by skyrocketing egg prices in the US, where a dozen large Grade A eggs recently averaged $5.90 — nearly double the price from a year ago, according to Labor Department data.
The price surge is largely attributed to a widespread avian flu outbreak that decimated US poultry stocks.
Meanwhile, in Mexico, eggs are still available for under $2 a dozen in many areas, making them an attractive alternative for budget-conscious consumers.
“We’re seeing a lot more cases of people trying to bring eggs over,” said Roger Maier, a CBP spokesperson in El Paso.
“The price difference is significant. A lot of travelers don’t realize that eggs are strictly prohibited.”
Unlike other grocery items, eggs must pass rigorous inspections before entering the US due to the risk of disease transmission.
The Department of Agriculture bans egg imports that bypass official inspection channels, citing concerns over avian flu and other biosecurity threats.
CBP officers routinely question drivers about agricultural goods, including eggs, as they cross the border.
Most individuals carrying eggs declare them voluntarily, at which point the eggs are confiscated but no fines are issued.
However, in cases where eggs are intentionally concealed, travelers may face penalties.
In El Paso, Texas, 16 civil fines were recently issued in a single week for prohibited agricultural imports, including smuggled eggs.
First-time offenders caught hiding eggs face fines starting at $300.
Some individuals attempt to sneak eggs across by stashing them under blankets or in vehicle compartments, according to the Journal.
Those caught typically claim ignorance of the restriction, but border agents are skeptical.
“By the time someone reaches secondary inspection, they’ve been asked at least twice,” Maier noted.
As CBP steps up enforcement, seized eggs are promptly destroyed.
Unlike some agricultural products that go through industrial garbage disposals, eggs are incinerated.
In El Paso, the process involves a metal chamber with a locking front door and a tall, narrow chimney.
CBP officers load the eggs by hand, secure the door, and ignite the chamber.
The rise in egg smuggling comes as US officials explore solutions to ease the price burden on consumers.
The Justice Department has launched an investigation into possible price manipulation by large egg producers while the USDA has announced a $1 billion plan to improve farm biosecurity and stabilize supply.
