By Blake Jackson
A multi-state investigation found that three major egg producers may have worked together to raise egg prices over several years. The Wisconsin Department of Justice, along with other states and the U.S. Department of Justice, reached a settlement in the case.
Under the agreement, the companies will provide more than 50 million eggs and $3.3 million. These eggs will be distributed to food banks and nonprofit groups, including about two million for Wisconsin.
Officials say Cal-Maine Foods, Hickman’s Egg Ranch, and Versova coordinated efforts to influence egg pricing, leading to higher costs. The complaint describes communication between executives to align bidding and increase prices between 2022 and 2025.
Attorney General Josh Kaul stressed accountability, stating, “Companies must not make goods less affordable by improperly manipulating prices,” and added, “There must be accountability for that kind of conduct.”
The settlement requires the companies to stop these practices, follow compliance rules, and accept oversight. Cal-Maine Foods denied wrongdoing but agreed to move forward.
Officials say the goal is to ensure fair competition and help protect consumers from rising costs.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-evgenii-leontev
Categories: Wisconsin