McDonald’s Is Suing Tyson and Other Suppliers for Allegedly Inflating Beef Prices

McDonald’s has filed suit against Tyson and other food suppliers, claiming that artificially inflated beef prices have created a ripple effect on its overall business model.

Bloomberg is reporting that this artificial inflation of prices violates federal law. The lawsuit claims that the suppliers conspired to fix, raise, stabilize, or maintain the price of beef at “supracompetitive levels.” In its case filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, McDonald’s claimed that the nine suppliers — which include Tyson Foods Inc., Cargill Inc., and JBS SA — had engaged in activities that violated the Sherman Act.

“Defendants and their co-conspirators implemented their conspiracy by collusively reducing the slaughter-ready cattle and beef supply, which over time artificially elevated the price of beef that they sold to Plaintiff and others,” McDonald’s said.

The fast-food giant seeks a declaratory ruling upholding the existence of the conspiracy, a damages award three times the amount of losses it incurred, and pre- and post-judgment interest. To prevent the defendants from carrying out their actions indefinitely, they further request that the district court issue a permanent injunction.

McDonald’s Introduces a Classic Menu Item

In better news, McDonald’s has announced the return of a classic menu item just in time for spooky season: the iconic “Boo Buckets.”

Starting on Oct. 15, the well-liked Halloween staple will be back in fast-food restaurants around the country. Since its initial release in 1986, the Boo Buckets have grown to be a beloved mainstay at McDonald’s restaurants.

The Boo Buckets were momentarily discontinued by the massive fast-food chain in 2016, but they were eventually brought back in 2022.

This year, orange, blue, white, and green customizable buckets have made a return. Though the practice is seen as controversial to some, the National Autism Association claims that blue buckets are the unofficial buckets for children on the autistic spectrum.

To get your own Boo Bucket, select either a four-piece or six-piece Chicken McNuggets Happy Meal or the Hamburger Happy Meal. A drink and a side of fries or apple slices are served with each. You can place an order through the app or at a McDonald’s location.