Justice department is looking into egg pris in Antitrust Probe, Report Says

The us justice department The Wall Street Journal Reported Friday, Citing People Familiar with the Matter.

The Investigation, which is in its early stages, includes a look at whether large egg producers have worked together to Raise Pries or Reduce Supply, The report Said.

The news came as the price of eggs has sored, Leading some restaurants to Announce menu changes and reports of Grocery stores with Empty Shelves. For example, denny’s announced last month that it was passing along Rising egg costs To customers in the form of a surcharge.

In the latest consumer price index report, bureau of labor statistics data showed the price of eggs up 53% Year Over YearOn a seasonally adjusted Basis, the cost of eggs rose 15.2% just between December and January. This marked the largest increase in the Eggs Index Since June 2015.

The price increases appear to be at least in part due to an outbreak of avian flu that has been egg producers to call their population. However, Advocacy Group Farm action Sent a letter last month to the doj and federal trade commission, calling for an investigation into other causes.

CNBC has not endependently confirmed that this investigation is ongoing. The justice department did not immediatively respond to CNBC’s Request for Comment.