Cause Identification — Government Ban on Eggs:\nStatement: The government decided to ban the selling of eggs in the state.\nWhich of the following is the most plausible cause that could justify this effect?

Introduction / Context:
The stem reports a strong regulatory response: a complete ban on selling eggs. We must select the cause that most reasonably warrants such a drastic public-health–oriented action.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Effect: Statewide ban on egg sales.
• Candidate causes include activism, prices, contamination, and sentiments.
• Assume governments prioritize public safety in food bans.

Concept / Approach:
Total bans on food items are typically grounded in safety/contamination emergencies (e.g., disease-causing agents), not price movements or interest-group pressures alone.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Food safety recalls/bans are standard when contamination is detected; this aligns with (c).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They lack sufficient gravity or legal justification to support a statewide ban by themselves.

Common Pitfalls:
Overestimating the policy effect of price spikes or pressure groups without statutory safety triggers.

Final Answer:
Option C: A contagious virus was detected in egg samples.