Justice Department Investigates Record Egg Prices

Federal probe examines potential price-fixing by major egg producers as avian flu and corporate profits drive costs to historic highs.

Egg prices in the U.S. have surged to an average of $6.85 per dozen, with some retailers charging $10 or more, driven by the worst avian flu outbreak in history and corporate profit increases.
The Department of Justice is investigating whether large egg producers, including Cal-Maine Foods, colluded to inflate prices or restrict supply, with producers instructed to preserve key documents.
Cal-Maine Foods, the largest U.S. egg producer, reported a 600% rise in gross profits from 2021 to 2023, despite no avian flu outbreaks at its facilities during that time.
Factory farming practices are criticized for exacerbating the avian flu crisis, which has led to the culling of millions of birds, creating supply shortages and fueling price hikes.
The Biden administration has proposed a $1 billion plan to address the crisis, including biosecurity measures and compensation for farmers, while some retailers have imposed purchase limits on eggs.