SPRINGDALE, Ark. — McDonald's filed a lawsuit against multiple poultry companies, including Tyson Foods and Cargill, on Oct. 4, 2024.
The fast food giant alleges that these companies conspired to "fix, raise, stabilize and/or maintain the price of beef," sold to them as early as January 2015.
Among the companies being sued are:
- Cargill Inc.
- Cargill Meat Solutions
- JBS USA Food Company
- JBS Packerland Inc.
- National Beef Packing Company
- Tyson Foods
- Tyson Fresh Meats IInc.
- Swift Beef Company
In the lawsuit, McDonald's states that in early 2015, beef prices started to change "without any credible, non-collusive explanation." Additionally, McDonald's alleges the companies started "exploiting favorable market conditions to launch their conspiracy" and conspired together on cattle prices and slaughter volumes.
According to the filing, McDonald's is asking the court to recognize the alleged conspiracy as well as financial damages.
The filing said an investigation is underway by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
