$87.5M Settlement: Eligibility for Beef Purchasers from 2014-2019
Americans who purchased select beef products between 2014 and 2019 may be eligible for compensation from an $87.5 million settlement involving several beef processors. The settlement stems from an antitrust class action lawsuit alleging that companies, including Cargill and Tyson, manipulated beef supply to inflate prices.
$87.5 Million Settlement Details
This settlement targets consumers in 27 states who bought fresh or frozen beef during the specified period. However, residents of Alabama are not eligible. The lawsuit claims that the actions of these processors aimed to increase profit margins at the expense of consumers.
Eligibility Criteria for Compensation
To qualify for a payment from the settlement, consumers must meet the following conditions:
- Purchased fresh or frozen beef products made from chuck loin, rib, or round primal cuts.
- The purchase must have been made for personal consumption.
- Purchases must have occurred between August 1, 2014, and December 31, 2019.
- The product must have been bought through a retailer located in one of the qualifying states.
The eligible states include:
- 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
- Wisconsin
Ineligible Beef Products
Not all beef products are eligible for claim under this settlement. The following categorizations are excluded:
- Premium: USDA Prime, organic, 100% grass-fed, Wagyu, and “American-Style Kobe Beef.”
- Specialty: No Antibiotics Ever (NAE), antibiotic-free, kosher, halal, and certified humane products.
- Processed: Ground, marinated, seasoned, flavored, breaded, or cooked beef.
How to File a Claim
Consumers who qualify can submit a claim either online or by mail. The amount of compensation per qualifying individual is yet to be determined. The deadline for filing a claim is June 30, 2026.
For more information and to obtain the claim form, visit the El-Balad website.
