More than 3.4 million eggs will be distributed to Pennsylvania food banks and community organizations under a multistate settlement resolving allegations that several of the nation’s largest egg producers illegally manipulated prices.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office announced the agreement Tuesday following a joint investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice and attorneys general from multiple states.

According to investigators, Cal-Maine Foods, Versova/Centrum and Hickman’s Egg Ranch coordinated bidding activity between June 2022 and March 2025 to influence the daily egg price index published by Urner Barry. Authorities said the scheme artificially increased egg prices paid by retailers and consumers nationwide.

Under the settlement, the companies must stop coordinating pricing practices and cooperate with ongoing oversight by participating states.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said the agreement holds the companies accountable while providing immediate assistance to families struggling with higher food costs.

Nationwide, the settlement requires donating 53 million eggs to food banks and nonprofit organizations in participating states, with Pennsylvania receiving more than 3.4 million eggs. The companies also agreed to pay a combined $3.3 million to the participating states.

Source: ABC27