The lawsuit alleges that major beef processors conspired from Aug. 1, 2014, to Dec. 31, 2019, to allocate markets and raise retail prices for certain supermarket beef cuts. Tyson and Cargill have proposed settlements totaling $87.5 million ($55M from Tyson, $32.5M from Cargill); other defendants remain in litigation. The indirect‑purchaser class covers consumers in 25 states plus D.C. who bought qualifying grocery‑store beef, excluding premium and processed products. Claim forms must be submitted or postmarked by June 30, 2026.
Beef Antitrust Settlement: Tyson and Cargill Offer $87.5M — Are You Eligible?
gettyA display of raw beef cuts placed on a counter
Major U.S. beef processors face a broad antitrust lawsuit accusing them of coordinating to limit competition and drive up retail beef prices for supermarket shoppers. Two defendants — Tyson Foods and Cargill — have reached proposed settlements totaling $87.5 million, while other named companies remain in litigation.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, alleges that several large meatpacking companies conspired between Aug. 1, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2019, to allocate markets and influence production and pricing decisions. Plaintiffs say this conduct artificially raised retail prices for certain primal beef cuts sold at grocery stores — including chuck, loin, rib and round.
David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via GettyThe Tyson Foods Inc. logo is seen on a package of prepared food
Named Defendants
The complaint names multiple companies, including 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. All defendants deny wrongdoing, and no court has determined liability.
Settlements And What They Mean
Two companies have reached proposed settlements with the plaintiffs: Tyson agreed to pay $55,000,000 and Cargill agreed to pay $32,500,000, for a combined total of $87,500,000. These agreements are proposed and must be approved by the court; payments will be distributed after approval and the resolution of any appeals.
Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via GettyExterior of the JBS Greeley Beef Plant
Who May Be Eligible
The settlement class covers indirect purchasers — consumers who bought qualifying beef products at grocery stores (not directly from processors) in 25 states plus the District of Columbia between Aug. 1, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2019. That totals 26 jurisdictions.
- States included: Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia and Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
Excluded Products
Certain premium or specialty products are excluded from the class, including USDA Prime, organic, grass‑fed, Wagyu, kosher, and halal beef. Processed products such as ground, seasoned, or marinated beef are also excluded.
How To File A Claim
Consumers who believe they are class members may submit a claim for a pro‑rata (equal share) cash payment. Claim forms must be postmarked or submitted online by June 30, 2026. Claim forms and additional details are available from the case’s settlement administrator. Individuals who submit valid claims and remain in the class will release their rights to sue Cargill or Tyson over these specific allegations but will retain any rights against defendants who did not settle.
Note: The defendants deny the allegations, and the court has not ruled on whether any antitrust laws were violated.
For updates and official claim materials, consumers should consult the settlement administrator’s website or court filings. PEOPLE contacted Tyson and Cargill for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
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