ALERT: $87.5 Million Beef Price-Fixing Class Action Settlement
Did you buy fresh or frozen beef at a grocery store between 2014 and 2019? You might be owed money.
If you purchased beef products to feed yourself or your family, pay close attention. An antitrust class action lawsuit claims that major beef processors—including Tyson and Cargill—conspired to limit the supply of beef to artificially inflate prices.
While the companies deny any wrongdoing, they have agreed to a massive $87.5 million settlement to resolve the claims. This means money is going back into the pockets of consumers like you.
Am I Eligible? (Quick Check)
You may be entitled to a cash payment if you meet the following criteria:
- Time Period: You purchased beef between August 1, 2014, and December 31, 2019.
- Purchase Location: You bought the beef from a grocery store or supermarket (Indirect Purchaser) for personal use.
- Product Type: Fresh or frozen beef made from chuck, loin, rib, or round cuts.
- Residency/Purchase State: You must have purchased the beef in one of the specific “Repealer Jurisdictions” listed below.
Eligible States
You must have purchased the beef in one of these states to qualify:
- Arizona
- California
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- 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
- Wisconsin
What Products are NOT Included?
Not all beef qualifies for this settlement. The following are excluded:
- Ground beef (mince).
- Premium marketing labels: USDA Prime, Organic, Wagyu, Kobe.
- Specialty labels: Antibiotic-free, Kosher, Halal.
- Processed items: Marinated, seasoned, or cooked beef.
How Much Will I Get Paid?
The settlement fund totals $87.5 million ($55 million from Tyson and $32.5 million from Cargill). Payments will be distributed pro-rata.
This means your payment amount will depend on:
- How many valid claims are submitted.
- The total amount of eligible beef you purchased during the class period.
Note: You generally do not need receipts to file a claim for standard amounts, though providing proof may allow for higher claims depending on the final court approval details.
Important Dates & Deadlines
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Claim Form Deadline | June 30, 2026 |
| Exclusion Deadline | March 30, 2026 |
| Objection Deadline | March 30, 2026 |
| Final Fairness Hearing | May 12, 2026 |
How to File a Claim
Filing is free and can be done online. Do not leave money on the table if you are eligible!
Case Name: In re: Cattle and Beef Antitrust Litigation, Case No. 0:22-MD-3031
CLICK HERE TO FILE CLAIMLink takes you to the official Settlement Administrator website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this a lawsuit?
Consumers alleged that the beef companies agreed to stop competing with each other to keep prices high. The court hasn’t decided who is right, but the companies agreed to settle to avoid a trial.
Do I need a lawyer?
No. The court has appointed Class Counsel to represent you. You do not need to pay anyone to file a claim.
When will I get paid?
Payments are sent out only after the Court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved. The fairness hearing is scheduled for May 2026, so payments would likely occur in late 2026 or 2027.
Disclaimer: We are not a law firm. This content is for informational purposes only. Please visit the official settlement site for legal details.
