Canadians who purchased beef since 2015 may soon be eligible for a portion of an almost $8-million national settlement, following an agreement with two of North America's largest beef companies over alleged price-fixing.
Settlement Details
National Beef Packing Company LLC and four subsidiaries of JBS N.V., the world's largest meat processing enterprise, including JBS Canada ULC, have reached proposed settlements in the Canadian Beef class actions. The law firms representing the class members—CFM Lawyers LLP, Strosberg Wingfield Sasso LLP, and Belleau Lapointe LLP—announced the agreement.
JBS has agreed to pay $7,498,700, while National Beef will contribute $495,000 for the benefit of class members. Additionally, both companies have agreed to cooperate with the plaintiffs in pursuing claims against non-settling defendants. The settlements, which require court approval, are not admissions of liability, fault, or wrongdoing, but compromises of disputed claims.
Who Is Eligible
Any individual or business in Canada that purchased beef or beef products since 2015, excluding purchases from the food service industry, may be eligible for compensation. The class actions were initiated in British Columbia and Quebec but cover residents of all provinces and territories.
According to the law firms, similar class actions continue against certain Cargill Inc. and Tyson Foods Inc. defendants. The allegations involve price-fixing and related conduct in the sale of beef and beef products in Canada.
How to Claim
The courts have yet to approve a process for distributing the settlement funds, as the class actions are ongoing and further recoveries may be achieved. The lawyers stated that further information on how to make a claim will be provided later. Canadians are advised to monitor updates from the law firms for claim procedures.
The settlement amount totals $7,993,700, with JBS paying the majority. This is a significant step in addressing alleged price-fixing in the beef industry, which has affected consumers across Canada for nearly a decade.
