DOJ investigating major retailers over beef prices

The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently confirmed on social media the expansion of its investigation into beef affordability to include some of the largest retailers in the United States.

Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. sent letters to eight companies about the increase in the retail price of beef.

The DOJ listed Kroger, Publix, Walmart, Albertsons, Aldi, Ahold Delhaize USA, Costco and Amazon as part of the investigation.

“Beef prices are a critical concern to Americans, and a priority for this Justice Department,” the DOJ posted on X.

Consumers continue to deal with high beef prices, with the average price of ground beef at $6.89 per lb in July 2026, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

In May, the DOJ announced its investigation into the four major meatpackers, Tyson Foods, JBS USA, Cargill and National Beef Packing, including possible antitrust violations in the US cattle and beef industries.

Officials previously stated the four largest beef processors control about 85% of the US beef processing market.

During the last week, the Trump administration outlined various priorities for the beef and cattle industry. President Trump announced he was authorizing legal documents to allow farmers and ranchers to process their own livestock.

On Aug.31, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins started the Ranchers First Initiative designed to help rebuild the US beef herd, which sits at a 75-year low.