DOJ Targets Retailers in Expanded Probe into Beef Price Fixing

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is taking its investigation into rising beef prices to the retail level, scrutinizing eight major retailers including Walmart and Amazon. In letters dispatched to these companies, Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. expressed concern over 'recent increases in the retail price for beef.'

These retailers - Kroger, Publix, Walmart, Albertsons, Aldi, Ahold Delhaize, Costco, and Amazon - are accused of being part of a larger issue where the four largest meatpacking industry players control more than 85% of the market. The DOJ has already reviewed over 3 million documents as part of its investigation.

The probe is centered around potential antitrust violations in the beef market, which some argue have contributed to soaring prices. In July, 100% ground beef prices averaged $6.89 per pound, up about 10% year over year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The DOJ is seeking whistleblowers to report any price-fixing or bid-rigging.