Three of the United States' largest egg producers have agreed to pay a combined $3.3 million to settle allegations that they manipulated prices to artificially inflate costs for consumers.
The settlement resolves a probe led by the U.S. Department of Justice and 17 state attorneys general, according to reports from CNBC.
The defendants—Cal-Maine Foods, Versova, and Hickman's Egg Ranch—admitted to no wrongdoing as part of the agreement.
The investigation centered on claims that the companies coordinated to restrict supply and drive up egg prices, a practice that drew scrutiny during periods of heightened food inflation.
The resolution marks the end of a multi-year legal effort to address alleged anti-competitive behavior in the poultry sector.
The settlement comes as broader inflation metrics show signs of stabilization.