- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Beef Buyers May Be Owed Money After Antitrust Lawsuit
Settlements reached in class action against major beef processors for alleged price-fixing.
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
An antitrust class action lawsuit was filed against several major beef processors, alleging they entered a market allocation agreement to increase their margins and the price consumers paid for beef. Cargill and Tyson have agreed to pay a total of $87.5 million in settlements to resolve the claims. Consumers who purchased beef products in 26 states between August 2014 and December 2019 may be eligible for a proportional cash payment.
Why it matters
This case highlights ongoing concerns about consolidation and potential anti-competitive practices in the meat processing industry, which can lead to higher prices for consumers. The settlements represent a victory for consumer advocates seeking to hold large corporations accountable.
The details
The lawsuit was filed against JBS USA Food Company, Swift Beef Company, JBS Packerland, Inc., Cargill, Inc., Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, National Beef Packing Company, LLC, Tyson Foods, Inc., and Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. Consumers who purchased beef products for personal consumption in 26 states, including New York, California, and Texas, during the class period may be eligible for a payment. Claims must be filed by June 30, and a hearing will be held on May 12 to decide whether to approve the settlements.
- The class period covers purchases made between August 1, 2014 and December 31, 2019.
- Claims must be filed by June 30, 2026.
- A hearing will be held on May 12, 2026 to decide whether to approve the settlements.
The players
JBS USA Food Company
One of the major beef processors named in the antitrust lawsuit.
Cargill, Inc.
One of the major beef processors that agreed to a $87.5 million settlement to resolve the claims.
Tyson Foods, Inc.
One of the major beef processors that agreed to a $87.5 million settlement to resolve the claims.
What’s next
A hearing will be held on May 12, 2026 where a judge will decide whether to approve the settlements.
The takeaway
Consumers who purchased beef products in 26 states between August 2014 and December 2019 may be eligible for a cash payment as a result of the antitrust lawsuit settlements, highlighting the importance of holding large corporations accountable for anti-competitive practices that impact consumer prices.
