Shoppers who purchased beef in certain years may be eligible for cash payment: See eligibility and how to file

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Shoppers in several states may be eligible for part of a $87.5 million antitrust class action lawsuit settlement with several beef processors. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP) (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)

Shoppers in several states may be eligible for part of an $87.5 million antitrust class action lawsuit settlement with several beef processors.

Dig deeper:

The United States District Court for the District of Minnesota says shoppers in 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, may be entitled to a cash payment from the settlements. 

What you can do:

The court says a person or entity is included and may be eligible for a payment if they purchased any of the following beef products at a grocery store or supermarket 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.

The following beef products are not included in the settlement:  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.

Why you should care:

The lawsuit 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. 

By the numbers:

The court says Tyson Foods agreed to a settlement of $55 million and Cargill agreed to a $32.5 million settlement to resolve claims against them and both companies have also agreed to certain non-monetary relief. Four other companies, JBS USA Food Company, Swift Beef Company, JBS Packerland, Inc., and National Beef Packing Company have not settled.

The Court has not ruled that the Defendants did anything wrong, and the companies deny all allegations of wrongdoing. 

What Do the Settlements Provide?

If you are included in the Settlement Class, you can file a claim to receive a pro-rata (equal share) cash payment proportional to the amount of included beef you purchased during the class period.

How to Submit a Claim 

To receive a payment a Claim Form with all required information must be submitted and postmarked or completed online at www.OverchargedForBeef.com June 30, 2026. 
Overcharged for beef settlement 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.

What's next:

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.