NEW YORK — McDonald’s is suing the four largest U.S. meat packers—Tyson, JBS, Cargill, and National Beef Packing Company—alleging a decade-long price fixing scheme. In a federal complaint filed Friday, the fast-food giant accuses the companies of conspiring to limit beef supply and inflate prices, violating antitrust laws.
The suit claims the meat packers manipulated the market starting in 2015, forcing direct buyers like McDonald’s to pay inflated prices, creating a near-monopoly. McDonald’s points to the companies’ control of over 80% of the U.S. beef market, which it argues made it easier to sustain collusion.
The “Big Four” have faced similar accusations before, with past lawsuits resulting in settlements—such as JBS’s $52.5 million settlement in 2022. However, meat processors have maintained that market conditions, not illegal practices, caused price increases, citing factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and labor shortages.
McDonald’s is seeking a jury trial. None of the defendants have yet responded to requests for comment.
