Chicken Products $181M Class Action Settlement

If you purchased any chicken product in the United States from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2020, you may be eligible to claim a portion of a $181 million class action settlement.

Fieldale Farms Corporation, George’s Inc., Mar-Jac Poultry, Inc., Peco Foods, Inc., Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, and Tyson Foods, Inc. have agreed to pay $181,000,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged price-fixing and supply restriction of chicken products.

Can I Claim an Award?

To be eligible for an award, you must have purchased fresh or frozen raw chicken, including whole birds (with or without giblets), whole cut-up birds purchased within a package, or “white meat” parts such as breasts and wings, from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2020. These purchases must have been made for personal consumption while residing in one of the following states: California, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, or Wisconsin.

The settlement class includes individuals and entities who indirectly purchased these chicken products from the defendants or their alleged co-conspirators.

What Awards Can Class Members Claim?

The settlement provides a total of $181,000,000, which will be distributed among eligible class members. The specific amount each class member can claim will depend on the number of valid claims submitted and the total settlement fund available after deducting attorneys’ fees, costs, and other expenses.

The settlement fund will be distributed on a pro rata basis, meaning each class member will receive a proportionate share of the fund based on their eligible purchases. For example, if the net settlement fund is $120,000,000 after deducting fees and expenses, and there are 1,000,000 valid claims, each claimant would receive $120.

• Tier 1: If the net settlement fund is $120,000,000 and there are 1,000,000 valid claims, each claimant would receive $120.
• Tier 2: If the net settlement fund is $120,000,000 and there are 500,000 valid claims, each claimant would receive $240.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

No, claimants do not need to proactively provide proof of their purchases to claim an award. However, the Claims Administrator may request additional information or documentation to support your claim if necessary.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you can file a claim online by visiting the online claim form. Alternatively, you can mail your completed claim form to:

Broiler Chicken Consumer Litigation

c/o A.B. Data, Ltd.

P.O. Box 173045

Milwaukee, WI 53217

Ensure that your claim form is submitted online or postmarked by December 31, 2022.

$181,000,000 Settlement Fund Breakdown

The total settlement amount is $181,000,000. This amount will be used to pay eligible class members, attorneys’ fees, litigation costs, and administrative expenses.

• Total Settlement Amount: $181,000,000
• Attorneys’ Fees: Up to $60,273,000 (33.3% of the settlement fund)
• Litigation Costs: Up to $8,750,000
• Service Awards: Up to $2,000 for each class representative
• Remaining Settlement Fund: Distributed to class members on a pro rata basis

Why is There a Class Action Settlement?

The settlement resolves claims that the defendants conspired to stabilize the price and supply of chicken products, violating federal and state antitrust laws. By settling, the defendants avoid the costs and risks of litigation, and class members receive compensation without further delay.