DOJ expands beef price investigation to major retailers (Reuters): The U.S. Department of Justice is expanding its investigation into high beef prices to include eight major retailers, broadening a probe that initially focused on the country’s largest meatpackers. The retailers receiving letters from Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward include Walmart, Costco, Amazon, Kroger, Publix, Albertsons, Aldi and Ahold Delhaize USA. The DOJ said it is seeking information related to recent increases in retail beef prices as the cost of beef has reached record levels.
The investigation comes as the Trump administration faces pressure to bring down beef prices while cattle supplies remain historically tight. The DOJ has already been investigating major meatpackers over potential anticompetitive conduct, following concerns that consolidation in beef processing may be contributing to higher prices. By examining retailers as well, the department is widening its focus across the beef supply chain to determine whether pricing practices or market concentration are contributing to the elevated costs consumers are seeing at grocery stores.
Policy Updates: DOJ expands beef price investigation to major retailers
The U.S. Department of Justice is expanding its investigation into high beef prices to include eight major retailers, broadening a probe that initially focused on the country’s largest meatpackers.
(Lindsey Pound)