If you purchased beef products between August 1, 2014 and December 31, 2019, you may be entitled to a cash payment from Settlements
The United States District Court for the District of Minnesota
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If you are eligible, you must file a claim by June
30, 2026.
Who Is Included in the Settlement?
You are included—and may be eligible for a payment—if you
are a person or entity who indirectly purchased any of the
following beef products for personal consumption between August
1, 2014, and December 31, 2019:
- Beef (fresh
or frozen) made from chuck, loin, rib, or round primal cuts.
More details regarding the different beef products included in the
Settlements is available at www.OverchargedForBeef.com.
- Purchased
in one of the following states/jurisdictions (known as
"Repealer Jurisdictions" for this case): 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.
"Indirectly purchased" means you did not buy the
beef products directly from one of the Defendants. Instead, you bought it at a
grocery store or supermarket.
What Beef Products Are NOT Included?
Any beef marketed 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.
What is This Lawsuit About?
The lawsuit: This is an antitrust class
action lawsuit that claims several beef processors—including JBS,
Cargill, National Beef, and Tyson Foods—entered into a market allocation
agreement and stopped competing against each other for market share.
The alleged purpose and effect of this agreement was to increase
their margins and increase the price consumers paid for beef.
Settlements: Two of the defendants, Tyson
Foods and Cargill, have agreed to settlements
totaling **$87.5 million** ($55 million from Tyson and $32.5
million from Cargill) to resolve the claims against them. They have also agreed
to certain non-monetary relief.
Defendants' Position: The Court has not ruled
that the Defendants did anything wrong, and the companies deny all allegations
of wrongdoing.
Non-Settling Defendants: JBS USA Food Company,
Swift Beef Company, JBS Packerland, Inc., and National Beef Packing Company
have not settled.
What Do the Settlements Provide?
1. Cash Payment
If you are included in the Settlement Class, you can file a claim to
receive a pro-rata (equal share) cash payment. This payment will be
proportional to the amount of included beef you purchased during the class
period.
2. How to Submit a
Claim
To receive a payment, you must submit a Claim Form with
all required information. Your Claim Form must be postmarked or submitted
online by June 30, 2026. To submit a Claim Form online, please
visit www.OverchargedForBeef.com.
What Are Your Legal Options?
1. Get a Cash Payment
You will receive a cash payment, and you give up your right to sue Cargill
and Tyson over the legal claims in this lawsuit. Submit a Claim Form by June
30, 2026.
2. Opt-Out (Exclude
Yourself)
You will not get a payment from these settlements, but you
keep your right to sue Cargill and Tyson on your own for the legal claims in
this lawsuit. Submit a written opt-out request by March
30, 2026.
3. Object to the
Settlements
You will be bound by the Settlements, but you can tell the Court why you
think the Settlements are unfair. Submit a written objection by March
30, 2026.
4. Do Nothing
Take no action. You will not receive a cash payment, and
you will be legally bound by the Settlements, giving up your
right to sue Cargill and Tyson later.
Fairness Hearing
The Court will hold a hearing on May 12, 2026 at
11:00 a.m. CDT, to decide whether to officially approve the Settlements,
the amount of attorneys' fees, and any service awards. You or your lawyer may
attend the hearing, but you are not required to do so.
This notice is a summary. For a detailed
explanation of your rights, the full definition of the Settlement Class, and
how to opt-out or object, please visit the Settlement Website at www.OverchargedForBeef.com or call the toll-free
number at 1-877-283-8711.
