The U.S. Department of Justice, along with attorneys general from 17 states, announced proposed settlements with three of the nation's largest egg producers—Cal-Maine Foods, Hickman's Egg Ranch, and Versova—following allegations that the companies coordinated to manipulate a key pricing benchmark, resulting in inflated egg prices for consumers nationwide [1]. Federal officials simultaneously filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against the companies while lodging the proposed settlements, which, if approved by a federal court, would prohibit the companies from engaging in the alleged conduct in the future [1].
According to the New York Attorney General's office, the companies agreed to pay a combined $3.3 million to participating states and donate approximately 53 million eggs to food banks and nonprofit organizations [1]. The settlements also require the companies to adopt antitrust compliance measures and end the alleged coordination [1]. Specifically, Cal-Maine stated it will pay $1.5 million and donate 30 million eggs, while also implementing compliance and reporting measures [1].
The Justice Department alleges that the companies manipulated daily price quotations published by Urner Barry, an industry benchmark influencing wholesale egg prices nationwide, by coordinating bidding activity to create the appearance of stronger demand and artificially inflate prices for billions of eggs sold each year [1]. The complaint further notes that benchmark prices fell significantly after the companies learned of the federal investigation and were instructed to preserve documents in March 2025 [1].
Cal-Maine, the nation's largest egg producer, denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that it "was not assessed any fines or penalties" under the agreement [1]. Mantiqueira USA, which acquired Hickman's Egg Ranch in November 2025, stated that the conduct described occurred before its acquisition and that the settlement fully resolves the allegations related to that period [1]. The proposed settlements are subject to court approval following a 60-day public comment period as required under the Tunney Act [1].
Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward stated, "These actions prove this Department's continued commitment to protecting competition and providing real relief for everyday Americans' pocketbooks" [1].
CONCLUSION
The DOJ and 17 states have reached a proposed $3.3 million settlement with major egg producers over alleged price manipulation, with additional requirements for egg donations and compliance measures. The settlements, which remain subject to court approval, aim to prevent future coordination and provide relief to consumers. Cal-Maine and other parties deny wrongdoing, and the case highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny in the food industry.