Americans who bought select beef products may be eligible for a portion of an $87.5 million settlement from several beef processors.
To receive part of the cash consumers must have purchased fresh or frozen beef products between August 2014 through December 2019 in one of 27 states – excluding Alabama, according to the settlement documents.
The antitrust class action lawsuit claims that “several beef processors” including Cargill and Tyson, knowingly limited beef supply and increased market prices.
“The alleged purpose and effect of this agreement was to increase their profit margins and increase the price consumers paid for beef,” reads the lawsuit.
Who qualifies to receive a part of the settlement?
Consumers eligible for a payment must have “indirectly purchased” (meaning through a retailer) fresh or frozen beef products made from chuck loin, rib or round primal cuts for “personal consumption” from Aug. 1, 2014 to Dec. 31, 2019.
The grocery store you bought the beef product from must be in one of the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, 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.
What beef products do not qualify?
The court notice excludes beef marked as:
- Premium: USDA Prime, organic, 100% grass-fed, Wagyu, “American-Style Kobe Beef.”
- Specialty: No Antibiotics Ever (“NAE”), antibiotic-free, kosher, halal, certified humane.
- Processed: Ground, marinated, seasoned, flavored, breaded, or cooked beef.
How do I file?
Consumers in the settlement class can file a claim online or by mail for a cash payment. It is unclear how much the payment will be.
Click here for the claim form. The deadline to submit a claim is June 30, 2026.
You can view the settlement website here.
