DOJ Expands Meatpacking Antitrust Inquiry to Major Retailers

The US Justice Department has expanded its antitrust inquiry into the meatpacking industry by requesting beef price data from eight major retailers. In letters dated July 14, Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward asked Amazon, Costco, Walmart, and five other grocers to provide six years of purchasing and pricing information, as well as profit margins and market analysis.

The investigation focuses on surging beef prices, which have been a major driver of food inflation. Ground beef averaged $7.116 per pound in July, remaining near an all-time high according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. President Donald Trump has taken steps to address rising beef prices, including cutting tariffs on imported ground beef products.

The retailers and Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The investigation is part of a broader effort to examine potential antitrust violations in the meatpacking industry.