DOJ expands beef price probe to 8 grocers

The U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division has expanded its investigation into soaring beef prices, now seeking detailed pricing and profit data from eight major grocery retailers. The probe, which initially focused on the nation's largest meatpackers, now includes companies such as Walmart, Costco, Amazon, Kroger, Publix, Albertsons, Aldi, and Ahold Delhaize USA. Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. sent letters to these retailers in July 2026, requesting comprehensive information spanning six years. The data sought includes purchasing strategies, retail prices, costs, profit margins, and analyses of wholesale and retail price trends. Officials stated that beef prices are a critical concern for Americans and a priority for the department. The investigation aims to determine if pricing practices, market concentration, or other conduct within the retail sector are contributing to the elevated cost of beef. Retailers have not been accused of wrongdoing at this stage, and the department is gathering information to understand the dynamics between meatpackers and consumers. Beef prices have remained near record highs, with ground beef averaging $7.