A federal court has granted preliminary approval of a $4 million settlement reached between Cargill Inc. and Cargill Meat Solutions and a group of commercial and institutional turkey buyers.
The case stems from claims that Cargill and other turkey processors conspired to fix prices of turkey products between 2010 and 2016. The settlement, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, was deemed fair and reasonable following extensive negotiations.
Class members in the case include restaurants, caterers, and other businesses that purchased turkey during the period in question. Notice to the class is expected by early September, with a final fairness hearing to follow.
While Cargill denies any wrongdoing, the company joins a list of turkey processors who have reached similar settlements in recent years. If fully approved, settlement funds will be distributed to eligible buyers after legal and administrative costs.
