Residents in 26 US states are now able to claim a portion of a $87.5 million settlement with some of the country’s largest beef processors. The settlement follows a consumer lawsuit alleging that Tyson Foods, Cargill, National Beef, and JBS secretly conspired to increase their profit margins.
According to the settlement website, Overchargedforbeef.com, claimants must have bought beef products from a grocery store or supermarket for personal consumption between 1 August 2014 and 31 December 2019. Eligible cuts include chunk, loin, rib, or round primal cuts, fresh or frozen, purchased in one of 26 specified states.
The list of eligible states includes 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. Premium cuts such as organic, grass-fed, Wagyu, and USDA Prime are excluded, as is ground beef and pre-cooked or seasoned meat.
Tyson Foods contributed $55 million to the settlement fund and Cargill contributed $32.5 million. Neither company has admitted wrongdoing. The lawsuit alleged that the companies entered a market allocation agreement to stop competing and raise prices.
Claims must be submitted by 30 June 2026. Claimants waive their right to sue Tyson Foods or Cargill if they accept the settlement. The final payout per person depends on the number of approved claims and the quantity of beef purchased during the period.
