DOJ confirms antitrust investigation into top beef producers

A top official said the Justice Department is using “every law enforcement tool available to help reduce food prices.”

What happened

The Justice Department is conducting an antitrust investigation into major beef producers, with a top official saying it is exploring "every law enforcement tool available to help reduce food prices."

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche provided few details on the investigation. He declined to say whether it was a civil or criminal case or if the DOJ intends to break up the consolidated beef sector after its probe.

Why it matters

The DOJ is also expected to announce later this week a "historic settlement" with data provider Agri Stats that will "directly affect the prices of proteins like chicken, pork and turkey," Blanche said.

Beef prices are hovering at record highs this year, with the average cost of ground beef reaching close to $7 a pound.

Drought and high feed costs have led to the worst cattle shortage in 75 years, and increased prices for livestock have discouraged ranchers from rebuilding their herds, a process that takes three to five years. The situation has led to profit losses for major producers, including Tyson Foods, which this week reported another quarterly loss in its beef business.

This news brief is based on reporting published by Food Dive on 2026-05-05. The original report is linked below.