Pork producers could soon be paying out from their own piggy banks.
Millions of Americans who purchased pork may qualify for a portion of a $117 million class-action settlement stemming from allegations that consumers were overcharged.
The settlement covers people who indirectly bought qualifying raw pork products between June 28, 2014, and June 30, 2018.
Eligible purchases could include bacon bought at a grocery store, along with pork bellies, loins, shoulders, ribs and pork chops.
The lawsuit alleges that major pork processors worked together to drive up prices by restricting supply and using industry data to influence market conditions.
The companies named in the case include Agri Stats, Clemens, Hormel, Seaboard, Triumph, Tyson and Smithfield, among others. All denied the allegations.
The settlements resolve the litigation without a trial and do not determine whether the companies were at fault.
“The court has not ruled that the defendants did anything wrong, and the companies deny any allegations of wrongdoing,” the settlement’s website states.
Clemens, Hormel, Seaboard, Triumph, Tyson and Smithfield are among the brands included in the settlement
The current settlements are worth a total of $117.065 million, which will be distributed to eligible consumers.
Although several companies have agreed to pay millions of dollars, there is no guaranteed amount for each claimant.
People who submit valid claims will receive a share of the settlement based on the number of approved claims and how much qualifying pork they purchased.
The pork price-fixing settlement applies to consumers in 25 states, including New York, California, Florida, Illinois and Michigan.
However, not all pork products are covered. Organic pork and items labeled “no antibiotics ever” are excluded, as are certain products that were marinated, seasoned, flavored or breaded.
Consumers who believe they are eligible have until October 29 to file a claim.
While the claim form requests “purchase information,” applicants do not need to locate a receipt from years ago.
The settlement website states: “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.”
People who file a claim will not be required to provide a receipt or proof of purchase, but may be asked questions about their purchases
Once an online claim is submitted, the applicant will receive a confirmation email containing a unique code. The website advises consumers to keep both the email and code for their records.
Consumers may also submit a claim by mail instead of filing online.
There have also been earlier settlements in the case involving JBS and Smithfield totaling $95 million, but the deadline to claim money from those settlements has already passed.
Meanwhile, Agri Stats agreed to certain business-practice changes but is not making a cash payment as part of the settlement.
