#United States #Chicago #Agri Stats #Cargill #Turkey Lawsuit

Overview of the Case

If you purchased fresh or frozen, uncooked turkey breast, ground turkey, or whole turkeys in the U.S. between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016, specifically for commercial food preparation, you might be included in a class action lawsuit that could influence your rights. This federal case has been authorized by a court and is not a solicitation for legal representation. The lawsuit, focusing on antitrust claims, revolved around allegations that major turkey product suppliers colluded to manipulate market prices and restrict supply.

Defendants Involved

The lawsuit targets several prominent turkey suppliers, including Butterball, Cargill, and Perdue among others. The complainants allege that these companies, along with their associate Agri Stats, exchanged sensitive production and pricing information, which resulted in artificially inflated turkey prices across the market. The companies have denied any wrongdoing, and the court has yet to determine their culpability.

Who is Included?

Certified Classes: The lawsuit applies to various commercial entities that procured turkey products during the specified period. Specifically, entities that bought turkey products indirectly, defined under:
1. Injunctive Class: Businesses that purchased turkey products for use in commercial operations not directly from the manufacturers but through distributors or suppliers.
2. Damages Class: Similarly, those who were indirect purchasers and are potentially eligible for compensation once the settlement is resolved.

States Affected

The Indirect Purchaser States involved in this lawsuit include, but are not limited to, Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, and New York. If your business is located in one of these states and falls under the injury class, you may be eligible for a share of any future settlements.

Turkey Products Warranted

The types of turkey products included in this action are:

• - Fresh or frozen, uncooked turkey breast products
• - Ground turkey products
• - Whole turkey birds

However, certain exclusions apply, including, but not limited to:

• - Organic turkey products
• - Fully cooked or ready-to-eat turkey products
• - Products made from turkey parts other than breast or whole birds.

Settlement Overview

The settlement has seen significant development, with Cargill agreeing to pay $4 million, while Cooper Farms and Farbest Foods will each contribute $562,500 to the pool. Besides the monetary compensation, the settling companies have agreed to modify their business practices to ensure compliance with antitrust laws moving forward. At present, no payments will be made immediately; affected entities will be notified when the compensation process begins.

Your Options

If you are within the Damages Class, you have several choices:
1. Do Nothing: By opting not to act, you retain the right to seek compensation later derived from this settlement, albeit you surrender any right to independently sue the defendants.
2. Object to the Settlement: Should you wish to oppose the terms of the settlement or the attorneys' fees, you may file an objection by November 6, 2025.
- A Fairness Hearing is scheduled for December 16, 2025, where the court will evaluate the settlement, any objections raised, and decide whether to approve them.

Conclusion

This class action lawsuit presents a significant opportunity for businesses affected by inflated turkey prices between 2010 and 2016 to potentially receive compensation and ensure fair market practices in the future. To learn more about your rights, the settlement details, and how to file claims or objections, you can visit www.TurkeyCommercialCase.com or call 1-800-403-3089.