A federal judge in Illinois has preliminarily approved $71.5 million in settlements tied to long-running claims that major turkey producers worked together to keep prices artificially high.
Here's what to know
Plaintiffs alleged that major turkey producers had illegally shared information as part of a scheme they say was designed to limit turkey supplies and fix prices, according to Top Class Actions.
Now, U.S. District Judge Sunil R. Harjani granted preliminary approval of the settlements tied to this allegation at an August 26 hearing. The two deals involve Butterball as well as Hormel Foods and its Jennie-O Turkey Store.
The settlement amounts are set at $34 million and $37.5 million, respectively. The agreements resolve the last remaining direct purchaser claims in the turkey price-fixing case. With those settlements included, direct purchasers will have recovered $130.7 million from the litigation.
Despite the multi-million-dollar settlements, neither company has admitted to doing anything wrong, per Top Class Actions.
This case has been going on for years, and the agreements add substantial settlement money. But preliminary approval means the legal process is not over, although the settlements can still move forward.
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And while the agreements do not resolve general concerns about grocery affordability, courts continue to test claims of supply manipulation and price-fixing.
Where can I learn more?
The turkey settlements are part of a wave of scrutiny over how big companies affect prices and consumer trust. Here are several examples of stories where customers are fighting back against alleged deceptive practices.
• At Target, shoppers are being urged to spot greenwashing in everyday products before buying.
• On Amazon, a Fisher-Price listing drew anger after a mysterious upcharge appeared onscreen.
• Berkshire Life Eco-Soft blankets drew claims of blatant greenwashing at Costco from frustrated shoppers.
Across these disputes, consumers and regulators are pushing back against bad corporate behavior on several fronts.
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