Skyrocketing Egg Prices: Understanding the DOJ Investigation and How It Affects Your Wallet

Egg prices have been soaring, and the U.S. Department of Justice has decided to investigate the major producers in the industry. Is the increase solely due to avian flu, or is there more to the story? Let’s explore what’s happening and how it impacts your life and your business.

Why Are Egg Prices So High?

In recent months, consumers and small businesses have felt the pinch of significantly higher egg prices. According to sources close to the case, the Department of Justice is investigating whether major egg companies are sharing information about supply and pricing, which could be contributing to the price hikes.

Meanwhile, egg producers claim that the issue is avian flu, which has affected millions of birds and reduced supply. But is that the only reason? Let’s break down the facts.

Avian Flu Is Real, But Is That All?

Emily Metz, president of the American Egg Board, argues that producers are “price takers, not price makers.” According to her, avian flu has created a scenario of uncertainty and chaos in the market, reducing supply and increasing demand. However, organizations like Farm Action question this narrative.

“While avian flu is real, it doesn’t justify the exorbitant prices we’re seeing on supermarket shelves,” says Farm Action. The organization is calling for a deeper antitrust investigation to ensure consumers aren’t being exploited.

How Does This Affect Small Businesses and Consumers?

For small businesses like bakeries and restaurants, the rise in egg prices has been a huge challenge. Imagine paying $70,000 more per year just to keep eggs on the menu! Many business owners are struggling to avoid passing these costs on to customers, but the situation is becoming unsustainable.

And for you, the consumer? The average price of a dozen eggs recently exceeded 8wholesale,thoughithassincedroppedto8wholesale,thoughithassincedroppedto6.85. Still, retail prices may take time to reflect this decline, as supermarkets and companies try to recoup some of the losses caused by avian flu.

The Role of Major Egg Companies

Cal-Maine Foods, the largest egg producer in the U.S., has been reporting record profits. In the second quarter of 2025, its gross profits increased by 342% compared to the previous year. The company attributes part of this success to higher egg prices, driven by reduced supply due to avian flu.

However, Cal-Maine has been accused of price-fixing in the past. In 2023, the company lost a lawsuit and had to pay millions in damages. Are we seeing a pattern repeat itself?

What Does the Future Hold?

While the Department of Justice investigates, consumers and small businesses continue to suffer from high prices. The good news is that wholesale prices have started to drop, but it may take some time for this to reach retail.

If you’re a small business owner, now is the time to look for alternatives and strategies to manage these costs. And if you’re a consumer, keep an eye out for promotions and consider adjusting your budget for staples like eggs.

Conclusion: What Can We Do?

While authorities investigate the practices of major egg companies, it’s important to stay informed and seek solutions to minimize the impact on our daily lives. If you want to dive deeper into the topic and discover how to protect your business or household budget, check out our complete guide on how to deal with price increases in times of crisis.