Biden’s DOJ sued a data company, accusing it of helping Big Meat fix prices. Trump’s DOJ is about to settle

The Trump administration has reached a proposed settlement in an antitrust case against a data-sharing company for the meatpacking industry that the federal government had accused of helping drive up grocery prices. Justice Department officials touted the deal in the case, initially brought by the Biden administration, as a victory in their effort to reclaim competitive prices in the meat industry and lower food costs for Americans. Combating the drivers of high food costs, however, is challenging and the solutions aren’t simple. “A stable and affordable food supply is critical to our country’s well-being,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. “This Department of Justice is laser-focused on making everyday life affordable for all Americans.” The case targeted Agri Stats, an Indiana-based company that collects nonpublic information from meat processors and shares the data in detailed reports with the industry. The federal government alleged its practices allowed chicken, pork and turkey processors to inflate prices they charged restaurants, grocery stores and other buyers who were not allowed access to Agri Stats’ data. Under the proposed settlement, Agri Stats would be required to share with U.S. buyers most of the information it collects from processors, the Justice Department said. Agri Stats’ president said it was “pleased to put this case with the Department of Justice and six states behind us.” “Agri Stats has been instrumental in the efficiency improvements in the chicken industry that have made such wonderful results possible, and we look forward to continue helping our subscribers improve their businesses, which will make chicken more affordable for all Americans,” Eric Scholer said in a statement. The Justice Department is separately investigating potential antitrust violations in the beef processing industry. That followed a request from President Donald Trump to open an investigation into whether foreign-owned meat p