U.S. Justice Department Probes Rising Egg Prices for Antitrust Issues
Image of eggs for sale in Manhattan, NY – Spencer Platt | Getty Images, February 25, 2025
Market Impact
Recently, the price of eggs has surged significantly, with essential grocery store items becoming increasingly scarce. This inflation has affected various sectors, including restaurants, with chains like Denny’s introducing surcharges to offset the rising costs.
Price Increase Statistics
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the price of eggs has increased by 53% over the past year. Notably, a 15.2% hike occurred between December and January, representing the most substantial rise since mid-2015.
Underlying Causes
While some of the price inflation can be attributed to an avian flu outbreak that has forced producers to cull their flocks, advocacy group Farm Action has urged the DOJ and the Federal Trade Commission to investigate possible additional factors influencing the price surge.
Ongoing Investigation
At this stage, the investigation is still in its early phases. As of now, CNBC has not independently verified the details concerning the DOJ’s inquiry, and the department has not issued any statement in response to requests for comments.