With inflation in beef prices over the past six years, the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating eight retailers for increased beef prices since 2020.
Here's what to know about the case.
DOJ investigates Kroger, Amazon, Costco, other retailers for beef prices
In May 2026, the DOJ confirmed it is actively investigating potential antitrust violations in U.S. cattle and beef markets amid inflated prices, according to Fox Business.
Four companies — JBS, Cargill, Tyson Foods, and National Beef — control 85% of the U.S. beef processing market, with two of them being Brazilian-owned (JBS and National Beef).
In July, eight companies received letters from Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. about their increased beef prices:
- Kroger
- Publix
- Walmart
- Albertsons
- Aldi
- Ahold Delhaize
- Costco
- Amazon
The letter stated: "The Antitrust Division is assessing trends in beef prices — a matter of critical concern to the American public, and a priority for the United States Department of Justice."
DOJ will continue investigating beef prices at retailers
During the investigation, the DOJ plans to seek records dating back to 2020 from each retailer, including:
- Retail beef sales and prices
- Wholesale purchases
- Costs and margins
- Pricing and purchasing strategies
- Analyze trends in wholesale and retail beef prices
- Other factors influencing beef prices
The DOJ will also investigate price hikes between 2020 and 2026, and how beef pricing strategies and margins have changed since.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DOJ investigation over beef prices targets Kroger, Costco, more grocers
