Bought beef? Shoppers may be eligible for cash in $87.5 million settlement - here's how to claim

An $87.5 million antitrust settlement which involves significant major beef producers Tyson Foods and Cargill could mean cash payments for shoppers for over 25 U.S. states. Consumers who bought beef at grocery shops during the 2010s might get qualified to file a claim following a court-approved notice issued on Monday, December 29, by the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. The notice states that people who purchased eligible beef products between August 1, 2014, and December 31, 2019, may be able to get a cash payment.

Allegations Behind the Settlement

The class action lawsuit alleges that many large beef processors that include JBS, Cargill, National Beef, and Tyson Foods colluded to limit competition. As per the court notice, the companies reportedly “entered into a market allocation agreement and stopped competing against each other for market share.” The filing further mentions that “the alleged purpose and effect of this agreement was to increase their margins and increase the price consumers paid for beef.”


Tyson Foods and Cargill have agreed to settle the claims against them by offering a combined $87.5 million, with Tyson providing $55 million and Cargill paying $32.5 million. In addition to the monetary settlement, both companies agreed to specific non-monetary relief. However, they dismiss all allegations, and the court has not ruled that either company engaged in misconduct.

Other defendants named in the lawsuit that includes JBS USA Food Company, Swift Beef Company, JBS Packerland, Inc., and National Beef Packing Company have not reached settlements and continue to be a part of the continuing litigation.

Who May Be Eligible

Consumers might get qualified for compensation if they bought qualifying beef products for personal usage at a grocery shop or supermarket during the covered time schedule. Eligible purchases must have happened in one of the following places: 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, Wisconsin, or Washington, D.C.

Covered products are both fresh and frozen beef that came from chuck, loin, rib, or round primal cuts. The settlement did not include premium beef varieties like organic, grass-fed, Wagyu, and USDA Prime. Ground beef, as well as beef that was pre-cooked, marinated, or seasoned, is also excluded.

How Payments Will Be Distributed

Eligible claimants may submit a claim form to get a pro-rata cash payment. The final payout amount has not yet been estimated and will rely on the total number of approved claims and the quantity of qualifying beef bought during the eligible years.

Claim forms must be submitted by June 30, 2026, to get the compensation. Consumers who submit a claim will waive their right to sue Tyson Foods and Cargill over the allegations made in this lawsuit.

Those who take no action will not get a payment and will still forfeit the right to pursue future legal action against the two companies in regard to these claims. Consumers may also opt out of the settlement or file an objection, but those requests must be submitted by March 30, 2026.

FAQs:

Q1. What is the Tyson Foods and Cargill settlement about?
It concerns allegations that beef producers coordinated pricing. The settlement resolves consumer claims without admitting misconduct.

Q2. Who can receive money from the settlement?
Consumers who purchased qualifying beef products during the eligible timeframe may be able to file a claim. Purchases must have been made for personal usage.