Sen. Mike Lee: American Egg Board, Others are Outdated, Outmoded

As the “egg war” between Hampton Creek, the maker of eggless mayo brand “Just Mayo,” and the American Egg Board whips up, Sen. Mike Lee, (R-Utah), explained why he is getting involved.

“As the chairman of the Senate Antitrust Subcommittee, I’m always looking out for competition, because by protecting robust competition in America we protect the American consumer,” Lee said. “We make sure people can buy things in an affordable way.”

Lee added: “We have these outdated, outmoded things like the American Egg Board that are collecting taxes and using them to protect themselves. Sometimes they behave in a fashion that results in somewhat anti-competitive dynamics within the marketplace.”

The Senator said he sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in order to address the issue.

“I think it’s a big problem,” Lee said. “I think we need to reevaluate from time to time why we have these boards- these boards that were set up arbitrarily in the 1930s. They may have had their purpose back then, but as far as I can tell, they may have outlived their purpose and we should perhaps look at getting rid of them.”