JBS and National Beef Agree to $8 Million Price-Fixing Settlement

Proposed settlements totaling $7,993,700 have been reached to resolve class-action lawsuits alleging that several meat processors conspired to fix beef prices in Canada. JBS USA Company, along with its affiliates Swift Beef Company, JBS Packerland Inc., and JBS Canada ULC, agreed to pay $7,498,700. National Beef Packing Company agreed to pay $495,000.

The litigation, originally filed in 2022, accused the companies of using secret communications regarding production capacity and slaughter volumes to control the beef supply and manipulate prices. The settlement covers individuals and retail shops that purchased beef for personal use or resale after January 1, 2015, though it excludes the food service industry and beef products containing other ingredients.

JBS maintains that the claims are without merit and stated the agreement was entered into solely to avoid the expense and uncertainty of prolonged litigation. The companies denied any wrongdoing as part of the deal. While JBS and National Beef have agreed to cooperate with plaintiffs in remaining claims, legal actions against other defendants continue.

Courts in British Columbia and Quebec will hold fairness hearings on September 10 and December 1, respectively, to approve the settlements and determine legal fees.