Justice Department Investigates Egg Industry Over Surging Prices

The DOJ is examining whether major egg producers have illegally restricted supply or colluded to raise prices as bird flu continues to impact production.

• The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an antitrust investigation into potential collusion by egg producers to restrict supply or inflate prices.
• Egg prices have soared to record highs, with the national average for a dozen eggs reaching $4.95 in January 2025, driven partly by avian flu outbreaks that have culled over 166 million birds since 2022.
• Critics, including advocacy group Farm Action, allege that some corporations are exploiting the bird flu crisis to boost profits, citing significant financial gains by top producers like Cal-Maine Foods.
• The investigation is in its early stages and may not lead to formal legal action; it remains unclear whether it will be categorized as a civil or criminal case.
• The Trump administration has announced a $1 billion plan to address the crisis, focusing on biosecurity measures, financial relief for farmers, and vaccine development, though experts caution that price relief may take time.

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