The sharp rise in egg prices that frustrated households across the United States has taken another turn after federal authorities and a coalition of states secured settlement agreements with three of the country's largest egg producers. While shoppers watched the price of a basic grocery staple climb to levels rarely seen before, investigators were quietly examining whether part of that increase was driven by more than supply shortages.

...in a unique deal, the companies must donate 53 million eggs to food banks and community organizations in the affected states.

None of them admitted wrongdoing.