DOJ Launches Criminal Probe into Major Meatpackers

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched a criminal investigation into major meatpacking companies over suspicions of anticompetitive practices that may be contributing to soaring beef prices nationwide. The probe, led by the DOJ's antitrust division, focuses on four dominant firms—Tyson Foods, JBS USA, Cargill, and National Beef Packing Company—that control about 85 percent of the country's beef processing capacity. The investigation, reported this week, marks an escalation from prior civil inquiries and follows a public call for action by President Donald Trump last November.

Investigators are examining whether the companies engaged in price fixing, market collusion, or bid rigging, particularly in how they purchase cattle from ranchers through contracts tied to pricing benchmarks. Ranchers have long complained that these benchmarks may be manipulated, allowing packers to pay lower prices to producers while retail costs climb. Federal authorities are seeking evidence of intentional wrongdoing that violates antitrust laws, such as the Sherman Act, which could result in fines up to $100 million for companies and up to $1 million per executive, along with potential prison...