Pork Shoppers in 25 States Could Claim Part of $117 Million Settlement

Consumers in 25 states and the District of Columbia may be entitled to money, though the final amount depends on how many valid claims are submitted by the deadline.

If you purchased pork products during the covered period, you may be eligible for a payment.

A group of pork producers has agreed to a $117 million class-action settlement to resolve accusations that they worked together to restrict pork supply and push prices higher. The lawsuit says the processors used Agri Stats, production limits and exports to inflate and stabilize pork prices and supply.

According to the settlement website, the court has not found that the defendants did anything wrong, and they deny all allegations of misconduct. The remaining defendants in the case are Agri Stats, Clemens, Hormel, Seaboard, Triumph and Tyson.

Any settlement money will be distributed only if a judge approves the deal and any appeals are resolved, the website says.

Claim Deadline

Consumers need to submit a valid claim by the stated filing deadline.

Who May Qualify?

People who indirectly bought raw pork bacon or fresh or frozen pork made from bellies, loins, shoulders, ribs or pork chops from one of the companies may qualify for a cash payment. Indirect purchase means the products were not bought directly from the companies, but through a retailer such as a grocery store.

The settlement covers consumers in these states and the District of Columbia:

• Arizona
• California
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Maine
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Utah
• West Virginia

How Much Could Be Paid?

The settlement site says the amount each person receives is not yet known. Payments will depend on several factors, including how many timely and valid claim forms are filed by members of the settlement class.