Waffle House has justified its decision to implement a controversial surcharge for diners, asserting it’s for a valid reason.

The chain states it has been compelled to raise prices due to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) - commonly known as bird flu – which has caused significant disruptions in poultry and dairy farms throughout the US since March of last year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak has resulted in one death and there have been 67 confirmed human cases.

Mild symptoms include eye redness and irritation (conjunctivitis), mild fever or feeling feverish, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue, while ‘less common’ symptoms can also include diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

The current outbreak has been causing widespread disruption (Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Individuals with moderate or severe symptoms might experience a high fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, altered consciousness or seizures. Complications may include pneumonia, respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute kidney injury, multi-organ failure (respiratory and kidney failure), sepsis or septic shock, and inflammation of the brain (meningoencephalitis).

Fortunately, the CDC notes that most human cases have been ‘mild’, and the majority involved individuals who had known exposure to sick or infected animals.

However, one of the most noticeable effects of bird flu has been on the US food supply – particularly, the cost of eggs, which has surged in recent months.

Earlier this week, Waffle House confirmed it had raised its prices by adding a 50-cent surcharge for each egg ordered.

Their website mentions that eggs are their most popular item, with 272 million served annually, alongside 153 million hash browns and 124 million waffles.

Naturally, any price increase tends to be unpopular with consumers, but Waffle House insisted it had no alternative but to take this controversial measure.

In a statement to Tyla, they explained: "The ongoing egg shortage caused by HPAI (Bird Flu) has led to a significant rise in egg prices. Consumers and restaurants are faced with challenging decisions.

"Effective February 3, Waffle House has implemented a temporary surcharge of 50 cents per egg on all menus."

The food chain has defended its decision (Instagram/@wafflehouseofficial)

The memo stated that this change was meant to be ‘a temporary targeted surcharge tied to the unprecedented rise in egg prices’ to avoid increasing prices across the entire menu, although Waffle House did not specify when the egg surcharge might be lifted.

The chain added: "As long as they are available, quality, fresh-cracked, Grade A Large eggs will continue to be a key ingredient in many of our customers’ favorite meals.

"While we hope these price fluctuations will be short-lived, we cannot predict how long this shortage will last.

"We are continuously monitoring egg prices and will adjust or remove the surcharge as market conditions allow."

LADbible Group has reached out to Waffle House for comment.