New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a warning to businesses against price gouging eggs and poultry as a national bird flu outbreak causes shortages and rising prices. With poultry farms across the country impacted, Attorney General James is reminding businesses that New York law prohibits excessive price increases on essential goods during emergencies. Consumers who notice significantly higher prices on eggs or poultry are urged to report violations to her office.
The state’s price gouging law protects consumers by preventing businesses from exploiting market disruptions to impose excessive prices on essential items. This statute applies to retailers, suppliers, and vendors, covering necessities like food, medicine, and transportation. Businesses found in violation could face penalties of up to $25,000 per offense.
Attorney General James has taken action against price gouging before, securing a settlement in 2021 with Hillandale Farms Corporation, one of the country’s largest egg producers, after the company unlawfully inflated egg prices during the COVID-19 pandemic. That settlement led to the distribution of 1.2 million eggs to New Yorkers.
New Yorkers who experience unreasonable price increases on eggs or poultry are encouraged to document the date, location, and price, and provide receipts or photos if possible. Reports can be filed online or by calling the Attorney General’s consumer hotline at 800-771-7755.
