Consumers across 26 American states are now eligible to receive a portion of a massive $87.5 million settlement, following a major antitrust lawsuit against some of the country's largest beef processors.
Who Qualifies for the Beef Price Payout?
The landmark settlement, agreed to by meat giants Tyson Foods and Cargill, stems from a class-action lawsuit alleging the companies, along with National Beef and JBS, formed a secret pact to inflate prices. The lawsuit claimed they entered a "market allocation agreement" to stop competing, thereby increasing their profit margins and the cost paid by consumers.
To qualify for a payment, shoppers must meet three strict criteria. Firstly, the beef must have been bought from a supermarket or grocery store, not directly from a producer. Secondly, purchases must have been for personal consumption between 1 August 2014 and 31 December 2019. Finally, the purchases must have been made in one of the 26 eligible states.
The eligible states are: 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.
What Products Are Included and Excluded?
The settlement specifically covers primal cuts of beef—chuck, loin, rib, and round—purchased fresh or frozen. However, there are significant exclusions. Ground beef is not included, nor are pre-cooked, marinated, or seasoned cuts. Premium products such as organic, grass-fed, Wagyu, and USDA Prime beef are also excluded from the deal.
It is crucial to note that neither Tyson Foods nor Cargill has admitted to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement. Tyson contributed $55 million to the fund, with Cargill adding the remaining $32.5 million. The other two companies named in the suit, JBS and National Beef, did not agree to settle and remain part of ongoing litigation.
How to Claim and Important Deadlines
Consumers have until 30 June 2026 to submit a claim via the official settlement website, Overchargedforbeef.com. The final payout amount per claimant has not been set and will depend on the total number of approved claims and the volume of beef purchased during the five-year period.
Submitting a claim comes with a significant condition: it waives your right to sue Tyson Foods or Cargill over the allegations in this case. Consumers can choose to opt out of the settlement to preserve their right to sue individually. However, taking no action at all also results in forfeiting that right and receiving no payment.
This case highlights ongoing scrutiny of pricing practices within major food supply chains and offers a rare opportunity for direct consumer redress. Eligible shoppers are urged to review the criteria and submit their claims before the deadline passes.
