Tyson and other meat producers settle antitrust lawsuit with $87.5 million payout

Lawsuit alleges that these major beef producers colluded to inflate prices of beef products sold in grocery stores. The complaint, which is currently before the U.S. District Court in Minnesota, accuses 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. of engaging in illegal agreements to divide markets and stifle competition from 2014 to 2019.

This alleged coordinated market allocation resulted in higher prices for consumers buying beef cuts like chuck, loin, rib, and round at retail stores. The lawsuit contends that these prices were artificially inflated beyond what they would have been in a truly competitive market setting.

The defendants dispute these claims and assert that the court has yet to determine if their actions violate antitrust laws. However, two of the companies involved, Tyson and Cargill, have reached settlements with the plaintiffs to address the accusations against them. Under these settlements, Tyson has agreed to pay $55 million, while Cargill will pay $32.5 million, totaling $87.5 million. The remaining defendants are still embroiled in the ongoing litigation.

The consumers named as plaintiffs in the lawsuit are individuals who indirectly purchased specific beef products (meaning they bought from grocery stores, not directly from the producers) in 25 states and Washington D.C. between August 1, 2014, and December 31, 2019.

These states include 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.

Some beef products are excluded from this lawsuit, such as premium or specialty items like USDA Prime, organic, grass-fed, Wagyu, kosher, or halal beef, as well as processed items like ground, seasoned, or marinated beef.

Consumers who believe they qualify for the settlement class may submit a claim for a proportional cash payment. Claim forms must be mailed or submitted online by June 30, 2026. Payments will be distributed after the settlements are approved and any appeals are resolved.

More information on filing claims and the specifics of the settlement can be obtained through the case’s settlement administrator. By participating in the settlement and filing a valid claim, individuals relinquish their right to sue Tyson or Cargill for the stated allegations but retain the option to pursue legal action against the defendants who have not settled.