DOJ and states propose settlements with three egg producers

The U. S. Department of Justice and attorneys general from 17 states announced proposed settlements with three egg producers, accusing them of colluding to manipulate a pricing benchmark and raise egg prices, according to Fox Business. Cal-Maine Foods, the nation’s largest egg producer, was identified as one of the firms.

Hickman's Egg Ranch, a regional supplier, was also named in the settlement proposal. Versova, a smaller egg producer, completed the trio of companies accused. The Justice Department and the participating state attorneys general said the alleged coordination distorted the benchmark that determines wholesale egg prices.