Cal-Maine to Donate 30M Eggs, Pay $1.5M in Price-Manipulation Settlement

CALM•

2026-06-30

Cal-Maine Foods will donate 30 million eggs and pay $1.5 million to 17 states under a settlement over alleged egg price-index manipulation. Three major producers will supply 53 million eggs and pay $3.3 million after DOJ probed coordinated bidding from June 2022 to March 2025.

1. Settlement Terms

Cal-Maine Foods, Versova/Centrum and Hickman's Egg Ranch agreed to supply 53 million eggs to food banks and nonprofits and collectively pay $3.3 million to 17 states. Under the deal, Cal-Maine will contribute 30 million eggs and a $1.5 million cash payment.

2. Allegations and Investigation

Between June 2022 and March 2025, the three producers are accused of coordinating bidding activities to influence a daily egg price index, resulting in higher retail and consumer prices across the US.

3. Company Response and Outlook

Cal-Maine Foods denies any wrongdoing, stating it exited the cooperative in May 2024 and fully cooperated with the 15-month DOJ review. Investors have shown limited reaction, suggesting the settlement may have limited long-term financial impact.