A settlement site says bacon and pork buyers may claim part of $117.065 million, though payments will depend on purchases and valid claims filed.
Consumers in 25 states may qualify if they indirectly bought eligible raw pork products between June 28, 2014, and June 30, 2018, the Daily Mail reported. The named states include New York, California, Florida, Illinois and Michigan.
The settlements resolve claims that pork processors raised prices by limiting supply and using industry data to influence the market. But the case ended without a trial or any finding that the companies were at fault.
Agri Stats, Clemens, Hormel, Seaboard, Triumph, Tyson and Smithfield are among the companies identified in the litigation. Eligible consumers may submit claims online or by mail.
“Indirect” purchasers are consumers who bought pork through a seller rather than directly from a processor. The qualifying products involve raw pork, including bacon.
The settlement website says consumers do not have to attach proof when they first submit a claim. That does not mean every claim will pass without review.
The site tells potential claimants:
“you do not need to provide any documentation at this time. However, the Settlement Administrator may ask for additional information or documentation to support your claim.”
No fixed payment has been promised. The amount for each valid claimant will depend on how many claims are approved and how much pork that person purchased during the covered period.
The listed filing deadline is October 29, though the reporting does not state the year. Consumers should check the settlement site’s current instructions before relying on that date.
The settlement does not amount to a court ruling that processors manipulated pork prices. The companies agreed to resolve the claims without a trial or a determination of fault.
The settlement website states:
“The court has not ruled that the defendants did anything wrong, and the companies deny any allegations of wrongdoing,”
Agri Stats agreed to certain changes in its business practices but is not making a cash payment under the settlement. The available information does not specify what those changes require.
Earlier settlements involving JBS and Smithfield totaled $95 million, but the deadline to seek money from those agreements has passed. The current settlements total $117.065 million and cover the separate claim process now described to consumers.
For households facing higher grocery bills, a claims process should be clear, honest and easy to check. Consumers deserve their lawful share, while companies deserve judgments based on proof rather than accusation.