Who’s cracking up prices? Justice Department scrambles to investigate soaring egg prices

Cal-Maine Foods and Rose Acre Farms have engaged in anticompetitive practices. According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, investigators are preparing to issue civil investigative demands—akin to subpoenas—seeking internal pricing and supply data.

While it remains unclear whether the investigation will lead to legal action, consumer advocacy groups and some lawmakers have been urging federal authorities to scrutinise the egg industry’s pricing tactics.

Prices That Keep Climbing

Egg prices have surged dramatically, reaching an all-time high of $4.95 per dozen in early 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In some large cities, consumers have faced prices as steep as $10 per dozen. Wholesale prices have also skyrocketed by 255% in just four months, leaving many to question whether the increases are justified.

Producers argue that the ongoing avian flu outbreak is the primary driver of soaring prices. Since 2022, approximately 163 million birds—including chickens and turkeys—have either died from the virus or been culled to prevent its spread, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, critics claim that the losses are relatively modest compared to the total egg-laying flock and do not fully explain the sharp rise in consumer prices.

Who’s to Blame?

Industry representatives insist that the bird flu outbreak is solely responsible for price instability. Chad Gregory, CEO of United Egg Producers, stated, «The highly pathogenic disease is single-handedly responsible for