(SAN FRANCISCO) An egg shortage pushing prices higher for restaurants is prompting Panda Express to substitute corn for eggs in their fried rice, and discontinue another menu item.
The Chinese food restaurant chain quietly changed their recipe in June after the price of liquid eggs, which are popular with restaurants, soared due to the shortage.
“The industry egg shortage happened quickly and we worked diligently to create a new recipe and inform our guests as soon as we could. As of June 25, all our stores have switched over to the new fried rice recipe and should have a sign displayed at the start of our line informing guests of the change,” Panda Express’ Thien Ho said in a statement to KPIX 5.
According to Ho, the menu change could last up to two years due to the shortage.
“We have been informed by suppliers that the egg shortage will last between 18-24 months. Egg prices have definitely increase (sic) for those who are able to purchase them. In our case, the number of suppliers from whom we can purchase liquid is extremely limited, which jeopardizes our ability to consistently purchase safe and reliable product,” Ho said.
The company also temporarily discontinued its hot and sour soup due to the shortage.