DOJ expands beef price probe to eight retailers, including Walmart and Amazon, with inflation a key issue ahead of midterm elections

According to federal investigators, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is expanding their investigation into meat prices to include eight major retailers, with Walmart and Amazon among those being scrutinized. This probe comes as inflation remains a key issue ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. Ground beef prices have risen by 10% from the previous year, reaching $6.89 per pound in July, attributed to factors such as a New World screwworm infestation, drought affecting livestock, and tariffs on Brazilian beef.

The DOJ has labeled beef affordability as a priority for the agency, citing its impact on consumer perception of inflation. The investigation follows a May antitrust probe into meatpackers accused of price-fixing and collusion. Trump administration officials accuse meatpackers of driving up beef prices through illicit means. The administration has tried various measures, including importing beef from Argentina and allowing Mexican cattle imports, but these actions have faced criticism from ranchers concerned about potential disease risks.

Meanwhile, the meatpackers have suffered financially, with Tyson announcing closures of two beef plants and JBS halting processing at a Pennsylvania plant.