Canadian beef price-fixing class settlement proposes $8M

Millions of Canadians who purchased beef for personal use since 2015 could be eligible for a share of a nearly $8 million settlement proposed in a class-action lawsuit alleging industry-wide price-fixing. The settlements, announced on July 9, 2026, involve JBS, the world's largest meat processor, and National Beef Packing Company.

JBS and its subsidiaries have agreed to pay approximately $7.5 million, while National Beef will contribute $495,000, for a combined total of just under $8 million. The companies have not admitted any liability, fault, or wrongdoing as part of the proposed settlements, which their legal representatives described as compromises of disputed claims. The settlements require approval from courts in British Columbia and Quebec.

The class actions, originally filed in 2022, allege that major beef producers, including JBS and National Beef, conspired to fix, maintain, or control the price of beef sold in Canada. The lawsuits further accuse the companies of coordinating to reduce slaughter volumes and manage the supply of beef to influence the market, with the alleged conduct dating back to at least January 1, 2015. The claims do not involve beef purchased by...