The payout is available to those who purchased fresh or frozen raw chicken from Tyson Foods, Pilgrim’s Pride, or Foster Farms between 2009 and 2019.
The $22.5 million class action settlement alleges that these companies conspired to raise chicken prices, costing consumers more at the checkout.
The new settlement increases an already massive $181 million fund, bringing the total amount available to consumers to $203.5 million.
The lawsuit includes purchases made in 25 states and the District of Columbia.
Anyone who purchased fresh or frozen raw chicken, excluding deli or pre-cooked chicken, in California, Florida, Illinois, New York, or North California between January 1, 2009 and July 31, 2019, is eligible.
The class action lawsuit accuses some of the poultry industry’s biggest names, including Tyson Foods, Pilgrim’s Pride, and Foster Farms, of colluded to artificially raise chicken prices.
Chicken products related to the settlement are widely available at major retailers.
Tyson Foods products are available at Kroger, Target, and Amazon, and Pilgrim’s Pride is also available at Kroger and Amazon.
George’s chicken is commonly available at Sam’s Club.
Although Peco Foods, Fieldale Farms, and Mar-Jac Poultry primarily serve the bulk and foodservice markets, their products can still be found in select retailers and through delivery services such as Instacart.
The alleged scheme forced millions of American consumers to overpay for one of the most commonly purchased items at the grocery store.
Although none of the companies involved have admitted any wrongdoing, several have agreed to settle the claims.
Harrison Poultry will pay $2.9 million, House of Raeford $4.5 million, Koch Foods $5 million, Mountaire Farms $3 million, Simmons Foods $3 million, O.K Foods $3.2 million, and Sanderson Farms $750,000.
Consumers who are eligible to participate in the settlement may receive a cash payment.
The exact amount will be determined by the amount of chicken purchased and whether they have proof, such as receipts or purchase records.
Those who can provide proof of their evidence purchases may receive a larger portion of the settlement.
However, claims without receipts can still be submitted, and payments will be made pro rata, which means that funds will be divided based on how much each person is eligible to receive.
To benefit from the settlement, consumers must submit a claim form by July 31, 2025.
If they object to the settlement or wish to exclude themselves, the deadline is May 12, 2025.
A final approval hearing has been scheduled for June 30, 2025, in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
People who filed a valid claim before the $22.5 million was added are not required to file again.
However, they can update their existing claim by contacting the settlement administrator.
The Sun has contacted Amazon, Target, and Kroger for comment.
