Cal-Maine Foods and other egg suppliers are nearing a settlement with the US Justice Department and multiple states over alleged price coordination, according to sources familiar with the matter. The companies would pay millions in civil penalties and donate over 50 million eggs while agreeing to stop sharing competitively sensitive information. The probe centers on Expana, a pricing data service formerly known as Urner Barry, which benchmarks market prices.

The investigation launched after egg prices surged to record levels early last year, reaching $6.22 per dozen amid bird flu outbreaks that forced farmers to cull millions of hens. Prices have since plummeted nearly 65% to $2.19 per dozen, according to USDA data. A settlement is expected in Iowa federal court this week, though it requires judicial approval before taking effect.

This resolution represents a priority for the Trump administration's effort to address grocery affordability ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The Justice Department has similarly targeted the beef industry and poultry data providers like Agri Stats, accusing them of facilitating price-fixing conspiracies among major suppliers.

The egg settlement signals continued regulatory scrutiny of agricultural markets where supply disruptions and data sharing intersect to influence consumer prices. Companies face mounting pressure to prove competitive behavior while navigating post-pandemic supply chain challenges.