The Midwest's serious bird flu outbreak has been squeezing poultry and egg farmers and consumers alike, and now, some egg-dependent companies like Dunkin Donuts and Haagen-Dazs are turning to alternatives — from eggs across the world to egg alternatives. "The U.S. has never imported any significant amount of eggs, because we've always been a very low-cost producer," one expert said. "Now, that's no longer the case." The company behind France's largest egg brand has seen an uptick in exports to the U.S., as American companies look to Europe for supplies. Other companies are buying more expensive "shell eggs," the kind sold in stores to consumers, since the hens that lay "breaker eggs" are being euthanized for the flu.
