Beef is at the center of the reason why the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating eight top grocery chains found in Florida and across the country.
Last week, investigators with the U.S. Department of Justice began reviewing beef prices and whether they could find evidence of price-fixing or other practices that stifle competition. According to CBS News, the probe follows claims made by President Trump that meatpacking companies were driving up prices nationwide.
[RELATED: Beef prices hit record highs as America’s cattle herd shrinks to lowest level in decades]
On Sept. 1, the DOJ revealed that the investigation into beef affordability was expanded to include the following eight retailers:
- Kroger
- Publix
- Walmart
- Albertsons
- Aldi
- Ahold Delhaize USA
- Costco
- Amazon
🚨@JusticeATR has expanded its investigation to include 8 of the largest grocers when it comes to beef affordability. @ASGWoodward sent letters to the following regarding the recent increases in the retail price for beef:
-Kroger
-Publix
-Walmart
-Albertsons
-Aldi
-Ahold…— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) September 2, 2026
“Beef prices are a critical concern to Americans, and a priority for this Justice Department,” a post by the agency reads.
Per CBS News, the average price of ground beef has jumped approximately 10% over the last year to $6.89 per pound.
RISING BEEF PRICES
The Trump administration plans to temporarily ease tariffs on imported ground beef in an effort to lower prices for consumers, but cattle ranchers warn the move could make it harder to rebuild the nation’s shrinking herd, according to CBS News.
President Donald Trump said the plan would allow up to 300,000 metric tons—about 661 million pounds—of imported ground beef into the United States at prices 25% below the market rate. The policy is scheduled to take effect Sept. 1 and applies to lean beef trimmings, which are commonly blended with higher-quality domestic beef to produce ground beef.
The White House says increased imports could help bring down beef prices, which have climbed to nearly $7 per pound. Prices are up about 63 cents over the past year and nearly $3 per pound since 2021. Administration officials said the plan includes safeguards intended to protect American ranchers while providing consumers with savings.
Many ranchers remain skeptical. They say cheaper imports could reduce the prices paid for their cattle at a time when production expenses—including diesel, fertilizer and other inputs—are already high. Lower cattle prices could discourage ranchers from retaining cows and expanding their herds, which economists say is necessary to address the underlying beef shortage.
The American Farm Bureau Federation also expressed concern about the timing. The import policy coincides with the peak sales season from September through November, when ranchers make important decisions about whether to sell cattle or keep them for breeding.
Kimberly Ratcliff, CEO of Ratcliff Premium Meats, said the plan might provide short-term relief for shoppers but would not solve the financial pressures facing ranchers. She said it costs about $1,100 a year to maintain a cow, leaving producers uncertain about whether they can afford to keep their animals.
The administration has also announced plans to help ranchers and farmers process their own meat, potentially reducing their reliance on the country’s four largest meatpacking companies. However, officials have not yet provided details about how that proposal would work.