User:FGBD/Hotdog bun deficit

Background
The Hotdog Bun Deficit is a term used to describe a shortage of hotdog buns relative to hotdogs. The most common example of this problem is the fact that hotdogs are often (but not always) sold packs of 10, while hotdog buns are usually sold in packs of 8. After consuming 8 of 10 the hotdogs and all of the buns, a consumer will be left with a "surplus" of two hotdogs which may also be expressed as a "deficit" of two hotdog buns. This problem will only be exacerbated when the consumer returns to the store to purchase more hotdogs and buns, leaving him or her with 12 hotdogs to only eight buns, a deficit of 4 hotdog buns. The third step in this cycle creates a deficit of 6 hotdog buns, with the fourth step causing a deficit of 8 hotdog buns. The hotdog bun deficit will be eliminated after the fifth cycle is completed, leaving the consumer with zero hotdogs and zero buns. The problem with this is that a consumer must eat or serve hotdogs in increments of forty in order to correct any "deficits." In addition, this solution does not address other causes for hotdog bun deficits, including a ripped or torn hotdog bun, or odd numbers of excess buns that mold before the consumer has a chance to eat them, or even a hotdog droppen on the floor or the ground. Consumers are often left with the choice of either unnecessarily wasting food, or eating large amounts of hotdogs in order to correct any deficits.

Explanations
Although many people have somewhat jokingly questioned the reasons behind this phenomenon, there has never been a clear answer given for the lack of standard packaging. As of April 2006, there has been no estimate of the economic cost of the hotdog bun deficit.