The U.S. pork market generates $20 billion annually, with the average American consuming more pork than any other meat. Given its significance, allegations of price fixing by major suppliers such as Smithfield Foods, JBS USA, and Clemens Food Group have garnered substantial attention. Individuals and businesses, including butchers and restaurants, who have purchased pork products from these suppliers are eligible to file a claim on the pork settlement.
At Sparrow, we provide expert services to individuals looking to file a claim in various class action lawsuits. We know firsthand that exploring these lawsuits can be complex, so we are here to help you navigate the claims process efficiently. Our experience includes assisting claimants in high-profile cases, such as the recent Amazon class action lawsuit, to offer you the most accurate and timely assistance.
Leveraging our experience in processing claims for all kinds of class action lawsuits, we’ve condensed the latest developments in the Pork Antitrust Litigation into this easily digestible blog for you. We’ll discuss important case details for the pork settlement, such as the allegations and the company’s stance on the case. We’ll also provide a general timeline of action and tips on how you can stay updated on future developments.
Let’s dive in!
Price Fixing Class Action Lawsuit: Pork Settlement Overview

The price fixing class action lawsuit involves major pork suppliers in the United States, including Smithfield Foods, JBS USA, and Hormel Foods. The substantial influence and control over distribution of these companies allowed them to be accused of manipulating the market and inflating pork prices, leading to the pork settlement. This lawsuit aims to hold all involved suppliers accountable for allegedly violating federal laws by artificially inflating the prices of pork.
Case Details
The lawsuit, entitled “In re Pork Antitrust Litigation (Commercial and Institutional Indirect Purchaser Actions), Case No. 0:18-cv-01776 (D. Minn.),” is one of the most recent in a series of lawsuits against major pork suppliers in the United States since 2009. It involves a number of allegations, including violations of both federal and state laws. The following is a comprehensive summary of the case’s details.
Allegations
Smithfield Foods, Inc. and other pork producers allegedly conspired to fix, raise, and stabilize the price of pork products from January 1, 2009, onward. The plaintiffs claim these companies suppressed competition and charged higher prices that would not have been possible in a properly competitive market. Here is the breakdown of the allegations:

- Price Fixing: The primary allegation is that Smithfield, JBS USA Food, and other pork suppliers conspired to fix the price of pork products. This constitutes anti-competitive conduct and market manipulation.
- Violation of Antitrust Laws: Such actions committed by pork suppliers are said to violate both federal and state antitrust laws, which are designed to promote fair competition and prevent practices that could harm consumers.
- Economic Harm: The price rigging activities of the pork suppliers have resulted in significant economic harm for the consumers. Customers have endured steep price hikes due to both natural and artificially induced inflation.
Pork Suppliers’ Stance on the Case

Smithfield Foods, Inc. has denied all allegations of wrongdoing in the lawsuit. Although the company has agreed to address the pork settlement, Smithfield asserts that it did not engage in any illegal activity and would present numerous defenses if the case were to proceed to trial. The company simply agreed to pay the settlement amount to avoid the costs and risks associated with litigation.
Settlement Details

The most recent class action settlement in the Pork Antitrust Litigation dubbed the “pork settlement,” totals $75 million. This fund is distinct from previous settlements intended for entities such as butcher shops and restaurants. Smithfield Foods Inc. is responsible for disbursing this amount to indirect purchaser plaintiffs who bought pork products from the following companies:
- Smithfield Foods, Inc.
- JBS USA Food Company
- Hormel Foods Corporation
- Seaboard Foods
- Triumph Foods
- Tyson Foods
- Agri Stats
- Clemens Family Foods
Pork products include everything from fresh cuts like pork chops, whole carcasses, and processed products like sausages. The purchase must have been made between January 1, 2009 and April 2, 2021, and proof of purchase was not required to make a claim, but the amount claimants will receive is still undecided.
Under the terms of the pork settlement, Smithfield Foods Inc. will pay the above amount on top of the $83 million promised to direct purchasers like distributors and $42 million to restaurants and other commercial purchasers.
The agreement with Smithfield includes their cooperation in ongoing litigation against other defendants in the case, as well as certain injunctive relief measures. This is to preempt further litigation costs and risks for both the plaintiffs and Smithfield.
Timeline of Action: Pork Settlement Price Fixing Lawsuit
The Pork Antitrust Litigation completed its most recent settlement hearing with the approval of the pork settlement in 2023. At this time, no more claims on the $75 million Smithfield settlement can be filed. Here is a broad look at the timeline of action in this case:

- Filing Date: In re Pork Antitrust Litigation (Commercial and Institutional Indirect Purchaser Actions), Case No. 0:18-cv-01776 (D. Minn.) was filed on June 28, 2018 in the Minnesota District Court.
- Final Hearing: The final approval hearing was scheduled on March 30, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.
- Final Approval: The latest pork settlement amount was approved by U.S. District Judge John Tunheim in Minneapolis on April 11, 2023.
- Claim Deadline: The claim deadline transpired on April 2, 2024.
- Payout Date: The payout date and the amount that each claimant will receive are yet to be determined.
Note that although the claim deadline has passed, all eligible class members will remain part of the Certified Class. These class members will be notified of potential future settlements and other developments in class actions against the involved suppliers. In the meantime, the unclaimed settlement funds will likely be held back for future claimants.
How to Stay Updated on Lawsuit Proceedings
If you were not in time to make a claim on the pork settlement, here are some things you can do to ensure you keep abreast of developments in legal proceedings:

1. Monitor Court Notices
Regularly check the official case website and communications from the settlement administrator for updates on important dates, such as deadlines for filing claims, objections, and opting out. Keep in mind, however, that the settlement administration has requested that claimants refrain from contacting the court, defendants, or their representatives directly.
2. Review Settlement Documents
Familiarize yourself with the Settlement Agreement and related court documents available on the case website. Court records and documents will help you understand the terms of the pork settlement, what it covers, and what rights you relinquish by participating in the lawsuit. This is crucial to making informed decisions about joining a particular case, such as the Walmart class action lawsuit.
3. Attend Hearings
Consider attending hearings to understand the efforts being made to ensure the settlement is fair and adequate. You can also request to speak at the hearing to voice objections or seek clarification directly from the court overseeing the case. This is the best way to ensure your viewpoints are considered in the final decision.
4. Follow News Outlets
Stay updated on developments by following trusted consumer and legal news sources. News organizations often report on significant updates, court rulings, and settlements related to class action lawsuits. This can provide valuable insights into the progress of the case of pork settlement and any implications for affected parties.
5. Seek Legal Advice From Professionals
If you are unsure about your rights, the impact of the settlement, or whether it’s best to opt out and pursue an individual claim, it may be best to consult with a qualified attorney. If you know you’re eligible for a claim but are simply unsure about how to proceed, services like Sparrow can help you out. Sparrow specializes in helping potential plaintiffs discover and file claims on class action lawsuits, ensuring that affected class members get the compensation they deserve.
Key Takeaway
The pork settlement, approved in the District Court for the District of Minnesota on April 11, 2023, marks the latest in a series of settlements for misconduct dating back over a decade. Violations of antitrust laws and general economic harm are serious offenses affecting consumers and the nation at large, resulting in a $75 million settlement. This settlement is part of ongoing efforts involving multiple pork suppliers, with additional settlements to come.
If you were not able to submit your claim on time, make sure to stay updated on future lawsuit proceedings through official sources and news outlets. Attending hearings and seeking legal advice can also be beneficial if you’re unsure about how to proceed. Many of the suppliers involved in the pork settlement are still awaiting the final approval hearing for their settlements.Need help filing a claim for a class action lawsuit? Get in touch with Sparrow today to discuss how we can help you get the compensation you deserve. Our services are designed to help you manage the difficulties and risks of joining a class action lawsuit, guaranteeing that you’re compensated for your losses caused by corporate misconduct.