U.S. Border Agents Combat Rising Egg Smuggling

United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have been intercepting egg smugglers at an unprecedented rate, as a national egg shortage continues to impact consumers. The shortage, largely attributed to the ongoing avian flu outbreak, has led to a significant rise in attempts to bring eggs across the U.S.-Mexico border, with authorities reporting a sharp increase in confiscations.

Egg Smuggling on the Rise

Border agents have reported an increase in unauthorized egg imports, particularly at the southern border. According to a CBP news release, officers in the El Paso sector alone intercepted more than 90 attempts to smuggle eggs in January. The San Diego office has also noticed a surge, with Director of Field Operations Sidney Aki stating via X (formerly Twitter) that officers have been seizing more eggs at ports of entry.

Recent data from CBP indicates a 29% rise in egg-smuggling attempts between October 2024 and February 2025 compared to the same period the previous year. While some individuals unknowingly violate customs regulations, others attempt to exploit price disparities between the U.S. and Mexico, where eggs are significantly cheaper.

Why Are Eggs Prohibited?

Raw eggs, along with poultry, meat, fruits, and vegetables, are strictly regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the CBP due to concerns over foodborne diseases. The primary risk associated with unauthorized egg imports is the potential spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and Virulent Newcastle Disease (ND)—both of which pose serious threats to poultry farms and food safety.

“Importation of raw/fresh eggs into the United States is generally prohibited due to concerns about diseases such as HPAI and ND,” the CBP stated in an official release. “Travelers are prohibited from bringing in fresh eggs, raw chicken, unprocessed avian products, and live birds into the United States.”

Penalties for Smuggling

Individuals caught attempting to smuggle eggs can face hefty fines. Civil penalties for failure to declare prohibited items can reach up to $10,000, with non-commercial first-time offenders potentially being fined up to $1,000. In January alone, CBP agricultural specialists in El Paso issued 16 civil penalties totaling nearly $4,000 for violations involving smuggled agricultural and food products, including raw eggs.

Authorities continue to urge travelers to declare all agricultural items upon entry to avoid penalties. “CBP encourages travelers to declare all agriculture items to avoid penalties,” Aki emphasized in his statement.

Egg Shortage and Government Response

The current egg shortage is a direct result of the devastating avian flu epidemic, which has significantly reduced the U.S. poultry population. According to a report from the University of Minnesota, more than 156 million birds have been lost since the outbreak began in 2022. The crisis escalated in early 2025, with an estimated 43 million birds lost in January and February alone—accounting for nearly 25% of all birds affected since the outbreak began.

With supply struggling to meet demand, egg prices have soared, prompting desperate measures from consumers seeking more affordable options. In an effort to stabilize the market, the U.S. government has taken steps to supplement the domestic supply through legal imports. A recently announced plan will see the U.S. import over 16,000 tons of eggs from Turkey through July, ensuring a regulated and safe alternative to smuggled goods.

Food Safety Concerns During Avian Flu

Many consumers remain concerned about whether it is safe to eat eggs during an avian flu outbreak. According to the USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), properly cooked eggs pose no risk to human health. The primary concern lies in raw or undercooked eggs, which can carry bacteria such as Salmonella in addition to the risks posed by avian flu.

As CBP continues to crack down on egg smuggling at the border, authorities emphasize the importance of following import regulations to protect public health and the poultry industry. While the national egg shortage persists, legal alternatives—such as government-approved imports—are being implemented to help ease the burden on consumers and stabilize prices.