Critics slam DOJ’s $3.3 million egg price-fixing settlement
Critics argue the $3.3 million settlement is too small compared to the billions allegedly gained by egg producers.Summary
The US Department of Justice and 17 state attorneys general announced a $3.3 million settlement with three egg producers—Cal-Maine Foods Inc., Hickman’s Egg Ranch Inc., and Versova/Centrum—over a price-fixing scheme that allegedly inflated egg prices between June 2022 and March 2025. The companies agreed to pay the settlement and donate 53 million eggs, with 4.9 million going to food banks. New York Attorney General Letitia James stated that the settlement sends a message that companies will not get away with illegal price hikes. However, critics, including antitrust watchdogs and legal experts, argue the settlement is a fraction of the billions allegedly gained and is effectively a slap on the wrist. Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward emphasized that protecting competition is a top priority for the Antitrust Division. The companies did not admit wrongdoing, and critics note that this prevents victims from pursuing civil suits. The settlement has been widely condemned as insufficient and a mockery of justice.
(Source：Foodnavigator-asia.com)