Canadians who purchased fresh or frozen raw beef products since 2015 may be eligible for compensation following a proposed $8 million class-action settlement. The agreement involves JBS USA Company, Swift Beef Company, JBS Packerland Inc., JBS Canada ULC, and the National Beef Packing Company, which were accused of conspiring to fix, maintain, or control the price and supply of beef in Canada.
The class-action lawsuit, initiated in 2022, alleges that these major meat producers engaged in an unlawful conspiracy to influence market prices. While the companies have agreed to pay a combined total of approximately $7.99 million to resolve the claims, the settlement does not constitute an admission of liability, fault, or wrongdoing. The companies stated the agreement was reached to avoid the expense and uncertainty of prolonged litigation.
This development comes as Canadian consumers face record-high beef prices. Statistics Canada data indicates that the average price per kilogram of striploin rose from $21.94 in early 2017 to $35.30 by May 2026. Industry experts and officials have previously attributed these increases to a combination of drought conditions, shrinking cattle herds, and rising production costs.
The proposed settlement remains subject to court approval, with hearings scheduled for September 10 for most provinces and December 1 for Quebec. The agreement excludes beef purchased through the food service industry, such as restaurants. Legal proceedings against other defendants, including Cargill and Tyson, remain ongoing as the broader investigation into the meat industry continues.