However, board chairman Allen Baird indicated the company would appeal the verdict on the one price-fixing count for which it was convicted. When price-fixing is mentioned in the news, many citizens have a mental image of a situation like OPEC countries raising oil prices. However, it goes far beyond that. Price-fixing is a bane on consumers in all levels of economic trading, from local to international. The participants of the scheme agree to set certain prices for products, and consumers must meet the prices if they want to buy the goods.
Competition is, of course, removed from the picture.
Consumers need a watchdog to make sure prices stay fair. The final outcome of the Mrs. Baird's case has yet to be heard, but the investigation of bakeries across several states indicates that the watchdog is on duty. Neither these AP Materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing.