The egg shortage plaguing California has been exacerbated by a severe avian flu outbreak and the state's Proposition 12, which mandates cage-free environments for hens, significantly increasing egg production costs. By the end of December, the average price for a dozen large eggs in California had surged to $8.97, a 44% increase from late November. This rise in price is directly linked to the loss of nearly 40 million egg-laying hens due to avian flu, facility fires, and the logistical challenges of transitioning to cage-free egg production.
Simultaneously, pork prices have seen substantial increases, also due to California's Proposition 12, which imposes strict housing standards for breeding pigs. Since July 1, 2023, when these standards partially came into effect, pork prices in California have jumped by an average of 20%, with specific items like pork loins and fresh ham seeing increases of 41% and 20%, respectively. Bacon, a key ingredient in many breakfast burritos, has also gone up by around 16%. These price hikes are not only due to local regulations but also global demand pressures, particularly from markets recovering from events like the African Swine Fever in China, alongside domestic issues like labor shortages and inflation-driven feed costs.
The impact on local taco shops is clear: with eggs becoming scarcer and more expensive, and pork products following suit, restaurateurs are forced to either raise prices or reduce portion sizes. Opting for the latter, many have chosen to scale down the size of their breakfast burritos to keep them affordable for customers while still maintaining a profit margin. This adjustment means that the once hearty, large burritos are now more modest in size, often to preserve the quality and quantity of other ingredients like cheese or vegetables.
This trend of diminishing burrito sizes in San Diego's taco shops is a microcosm of larger economic and regulatory shifts within the food industry. As businesses navigate through these challenges, the beloved breakfast burrito might continue to evolve, potentially leading to new culinary innovations or alternative ingredient choices. This adaptation underscores the resilience of local eateries, striving to maintain both quality and affordability amidst changing times.
Originally published on January 15, 2025.
