(NBC CHICAGO) — Have you purchased meat at the grocery store over the last 10 years? If so, you may be entitled to a cash payment as part of a multi-million dollar settlement with two giant meat companies as part of a lawsuit that alleges they overcharged customers.
The class action lawsuit claims several beef processors, including JBS, Cargill, National Beef and Tyson Foods, "conspired to limit the supply of beef and increase prices in the market."
Plaintiffs in the complaint, filed July 29, 2024, in the United States District Court of Minnesota, allege the meatpacking companies conspired with slaughterhouse to inflated the prices of the beef sold to the consumer, and extract gains from the cattle ranchers.
The companies denied any wrongdoing, instead agreeing to settle for a total of $82.5 million, with $55 million from Tyson and $32.5 million from Cargill.
They have also agreed to certain non-monetary relief, the settlement administration website, titled "Overcharged For Beef" said.
The sweeping settlement applies to dozens of fresh and frozen beef products sold at grocery stores in 27 states, including Illinois.
According to the administrator, those filing a claim do not need to provide any documentation or receipts.
Here's a breakdown of what products are included, what is needed to file a claim, deadlines and more.
What beef and meat products are part of the settlement?
More than 280 beef products are eligible for customers to file a claim about. The full list can be found here and includes a number of cuts, including tri-tip steak, top sirloin steak, tomahawk, tenderloin tips, t-bone, short ribs, ribeye and more.
The following popular beef products are not included, the settlement says:
- Premium:Â USDA Prime, organic, 100% grass-fed, Wagyu, "American-Style Kobe Beef."
- Specialty:Â No Antibiotics Ever ("NAE"), antibiotic-free, kosher, halal, certified humane.
- Processed:Â Ground, marinated, seasoned, flavored, breaded, or cooked beef.
How much money could you get?
Customer who file eligible claims will receive a cash payment, the administrator said.
"This payment will be proportional to the amount of included beef you purchased during the class period," the site said.
Claimants can opt to payments either by check, Venmo or PayPal. Claimants can also choose to receive payments in the form of an Amazon, Instacart or Starbucks gift card.
How do you file a claim, and what is needed?
Claims can be submitted via mail or online. The deadline to submit a claim to receive a cash payment is June 30, 2026.
Claims must contain name and contact information. Claimants also must fill out a section called "Purchase Information," where customers are asked to estimate which products they purchased between Aug. 1, 2014 and Dec. 31, 2019, how many pounds, how many times and how much they spent.
"You do not need to provide any documentation at this time," the claim form says. "However, the Settlement Administrator may ask for additional information or documentation to support your claim."
More information about the settlement and how to file a claim can be found here.Â
What states are part of the settlement?Â
Customers who purchased any of the impacted products at a grocery store in the following states are eligible to file a claim:
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.
