Commercially available eggs pass through testing, grading and inspection, with extra layers of protection in California, specifically.

The price of eggs at U.S. grocery stores has climbed to a record high, nearly doubling from a year ago, as outbreaks of bird flu have led to shortages by wiping out millions of hens.

Ever-rising egg prices, supply shortages, egg thefts and reports of bodegas selling loose eggs confirm strong demand for the kitchen staple even as avian flu infects and kills more of the birds that produce them.

As the ongoing bird influenza continues to devastate the nation’s egg production, Turkey plans to export eggs into the U.S. through July in a preliminary agreement reached between the two nations.

Deaths of millions of laying hens are causing grocery stores to ration supplies and restaurants to raise prices for egg dishes.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is expected “in the coming days” to announce a new strategy for fighting the bird flu outbreak.

The U.S. is turning to foreign sources, including Turkey, to alleviate the egg shortages and increasing prices brought on by the ongoing avian flu crisis.