The U.S. Department of Justice expanded its antitrust investigation into rising beef prices. The probe now includes eight major retailers. These retailers include Costco, Walmart, and Amazon.
The investigation previously focused on the four largest meatpacking companies. It now examines the retail level of the supply chain. The DOJ seeks to determine if practices contribute to soaring consumer costs.
Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. sent letters to the companies. These letters concern recent increases in retail beef prices.
The DOJ seeks information on pricing strategies, profit margins, and wholesale purchasing arrangements. This data covers the period from 2020 through 2026. This move signals widening federal scrutiny into potential anticompetitive behavior across the food industry.