Justice Department Opens Antitrust Probe Into Egg Price Spike

The US Justice Department has opened a preliminary probe into a recent surge in egg prices across the country, according to a person familiar with the investigation.

The investigation, which is being conducted by the department’s civil antitrust enforcers, focuses on whether companies including Cal-Maine Foods Inc. and Rose Acre Farms Inc. have colluded to boost prices or limit supply, said the person, who asked not to be identified discussing a confidential probe.

A dozen large eggs in the Midwest cost an average of $8.41 wholesale as of Feb. 28, a record high and an increase of more than 200% ...