The Justice Department is investigating whether major egg producers, like Cal-Maine Foods and Rose Acre Farms, are conspiring to keep egg prices high amid the worsening bird flu outbreak.

The investigation is in its early stages, with concerns that the companies are exploiting the crisis to inflate prices beyond necessary costs.

In January, egg prices hit a record high, reaching $4.95 per dozen.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has launched a $1 billion plan to combat the virus and lower prices, which includes exploring egg imports, Politico has reported.

This follows calls from groups like Farm Action and federal officials for further investigation into the egg industry’s pricing practices.

Written by B.C. Begley